Remember When

Remember When: A Simple Tire Change

 Every Officer has his pet peeves or functions he/she just wouldn’t do. Some would never ride Motors, some would never work in a desert area, some the mountains, some wouldn’t write a speed violation unless at least 10 MPH over the limit…it’s a long list. We all ate donuts. This Officer would not change tires. He would call for a tow service, have his dispatch (no cell phones yet) call a family member or friend for assistance or provide safety by watching oncoming traffic while the motorist changed their own tire. On this Summer Day while working the Harbor Freeway in Los Angeles he came upon a female motorist with a flat tire on the right shoulder. He informed his Dispatcher of his location and would advise further. When he got up to the vehicle, he immediately recognized the lone female occupant. Mainly due to the popular TV show, That’s Incredible, hosted by Fran Tarkenton, John Davidson and the driver, Cathy Lee Crosby. To say she was one of exceptional beauty would then and more years ahead be an understatement. The Officer and Ms. Crosby, who was in an extreme hurry, it is L.A. remember, didn’t have time to wait for the tow truck from AAA and the Officer was not about to let her change her own tire. She was very nicely dressed and on her way to something important, it is L.A. remember. Not to mention getting out of her car and being as recognizable as she was would have caused at least a half dozen accidents. The Officer knowing, he wasn’t going to change the tire, returned to his motor, reached for his radio mike and with authority,

“L.A. 5-2 Mary, be advised I’m with Cathy Lee Crosby, S/B south of 11^th Street on the right shoulder. Her vehicle has a flat and is going to need assistance changing the tire…stand by.”

The Officer allowed for about a 30 second pause.

“L.A. 5-2 Mary, let me check and see who she would like to call.”

“5-2 Mary, L.A. standing by.”

Within the next minute or two there were at least three other CHP Units at the scene and moving into action jacking up the vehicle, taking off the defective tire and preparing the spare. Looked like a scene from a NASCAR race.

“L.A. 5-2 Mary, be advised the situation has been handled and Ms. Crosby should be on the road in no time. Show me 10-98 (Assignment completed) and in route to the office.”

“5-2 Mary, L.A. 10-4 in route to the office.”