Bystanders Getting Involved? It Depends On Each Situation

There’s a difference between an armored-car guard who leaves his vehicle to rescue a woman from a man with a knife and a man who ignores firefighters at an accident scene to aid a friend pinned under a pickup.

So say two “Bagpipes” readers who responded to Thursday’s question about the willingness of bystanders to get involved in emergency situations.

“I applaud the action of the Spokane armored-car guard who rescued a woman from a knife-wielding hostage-taker,” said Rebecca Swainston of Spokane. “This poor woman was in danger of death with no immediate help available.

“But this was not the case with the man ‘rescued’ by Shane Petersen.”

Petersen recently was convicted of a misdemeanor for his efforts to rescue a friend who had been hurt in a traffic accident. Authorities said he ignored their orders to clear the area and he hampered more than he helped.

“There was immediate and knowledgeable help on the scene in the form of firefighters and paramedics who are specifically trained in extrication techniques and first aid,” said Swainston. “Shane was not showing heroism when he refused to clear the area as directed by authorities. He was showing selfishness and immaturity.

“I totally disagree with Shane’s supporters who are attempting to label him a ‘hero’ for risking his life helping his friend. The life put at risk was that of Shane’s friend when Shane wouldn’t let the proper authorities do their job.”

Mick McDowell of Spokane agrees.

“There were far better-trained and more experienced people, and he was simply getting in the way. That’s qualitatively different from the armored-car guard who left his vehicle to save a woman - categorically different.

“I think Petersen should have been fined or cited for some reason for getting in the way of obvious or assumed professional, competent people.”

A vote for Tom Foley

Readers were challenged Thursday to name a political figure who deserves respect.

“I believe Tom Foley personifies what a politician should be,” said Jim Nelson of Spokane. “I believe he always did what he felt was best for the people in his district. None of us is perfect, but he gets my vote. The man had class and values that would put (House Speaker) Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) to shame.”

, DataTimes MEMO: “Bagpipes” appears Tuesdays and Thursdays. To respond, call Cityline at 458-8800, category 9881, from a Touch-Tone phone or send a fax to 459-5098 or e-mail to dougf@spokesman.com. You also can leave Doug Floyd a message at 459-5577, extension 5466.