Untitled Document

ITD Mailbox

Inter-agency cooperation important at crash site

Pam Lowe,
Director, Idaho Transportation Department

On Sept. 27, 2008, the Idaho Transportation Department, Boise Fire, officers from the Boise Police Department and the Idaho State Police responded to a serious crash at I-84, milepost 52. This was a very unfortunate crash with two fatalities, and the rescue/recovery closed the interstate for six hours.

This required a very complicated extrication due to the location of the crash. It was directly under the Orchard overpass, and the location limited the lifting ability of the rescue equipment.

One of the many responsibilities that falls on the investigation of all crashes is traffic control. Personnel from your department maintained traffic control at the entire scene, including the detour. Knowing this major task is handled by the professionals allows our troopers to concentrate on the crash investigation without distractions.

During the “After Incident Review,” our troopers were extremely complimentary of ITD. Our partnerships at these major incidents are very valuable. This type of multi-agency operation certainly contributes toward enhancing inter-agency working relationships, in addition to accomplishing the primary goal of improving traffic/public safety for the citizens we serve.

Thank you for your agency’s participation. Please pass on my (and ISP’s) appreciation to your personnel who were involved, and the valuable contributions each of them made.

Lt. Brian Zimmerman
Idaho State Police
Region 3 Patrol