Leader Publications

Well, it’s that time of year again and Michigan students will be heading off to their schools next week. Of course, their safety is important.

Listed are a few tips for them and a few tips for drivers, as the buses will be a new sight after the summer break.
Walkers: 1) Walk in groups. 2) Never take rides from strangers or approach a vehicle with a stranger in it. 3) If leaving early, wear reflective or bright clothing,. 4) Go directly to school and directly home. Have your adult’s permission before going to a friend’s house to play or visit.

5) Take the same route to and from school. Know where you are and safe places to go in the event of an emergency.
Bicycle riders: 1) If riding during the hours of darkness, Michigan law requires a headlight and rear, red reflector. 2) Sidewalks may be used. Pedestrians have the right of way. 3) When riding on the roadway, bicyclists shall obey all traffic laws, including stopping and turn signals.

4) Secure your bicycles upon arrival to school. 5) Have your bicycle registered with your local police department, or at least have a current picture and the serial number stored in a safe location in the event it does get stolen.

Bus riders: 1) As the bus approaches your bus stop, stay at least three giant steps away from where the bus will be stopping. 2) Never go under the bus for dropped papers or items. The bus driver may not see you. 3) When crossing in front of the bus, wait for the driver’s signal before crossing.

Also, cross at least three giant steps in front of the bus or go around the “stop arm” the bus is equipped with. 4) Do not be a distraction for the bus driver. 5) Report any inappropriate activity or bullying to the bus driver. Adults cannot help if they don’t know about it.

Drivers: MVC 257.682, Stopping for school bus displaying flashing red lights, states: (1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking or meeting a school bus that has stopped and is displaying two alternately flashing red lights located at the same level shall bring the vehicle to a full stop not less than 20 feet from the school bus and shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer actuated. The driver of a vehicle who fails to stop for a school bus as required by this subsection, who passes a school bus in violation of this subsection, or who fails to stop for a school bus in violation of an ordinance that complies with this subsection, is responsible for a civil infraction. (2) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway that has been divided into two roadways by leaving an intervening space, or by a physical barrier, or clearly indicated dividing sections so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, need not stop upon meeting a school bus which has stopped across the dividing space, barrier, or section …. In addition to the civil fine and costs provided for a civil infraction under section 907, the judge, district court referee or district court magistrate may order a person who violates this section to perform not to exceed 100 hours of community service at a school.

Let’s make this a safe environment for the students and all others using Michigan’s roadways.

Tpr. Tony Thames, 25, was off duty at about 2:30 a.m. June 12, 1983, with a female companion in a parking lot outside the Balmar Motel in Detroit, when they were approached from behind by two young men who intended to rob them. One of the robbers, Robert Bowers, pointed a small handgun at Thames’ head and said, “Guess what I got for you!” Reacting instantly to defend himself and his girlfriend, Thames pulled out his snub-nosed off-duty revolver and replied “Guess what I got for you!”

As the two men wrestled to subdue each other, Bowers shot Thames in the leg, but, as he fell, Thames returned fire and hit Bowers’ arm. Bowers then shot Thames twice in the chest and stole his money.

As Thames’ girlfriend tried to run away, the second subject, Douglas McIntosh, stopped her and stole her purse. The two suspects ran to an awaiting get-away car with two other accomplices. The four were caught shortly after and positively identified by Thames’ girlfriend. Both were sentenced to life in prison.

Although shot in the heart, Thames survived for over an hour before succumbing to the wounds. He was pronounced dead at Detroit Receiving Hospital. Assigned to the Jackson Post since enlisting in the MSP on Jan. 17, 1982, Thames had earlier studied criminal justice at Henry Ford Community College and Mercy College. He is buried in Warren and was awarded the Valor medal posthumously.

For his efforts in thwarting an armed robbery, Thames was the 37th trooper to die in the line of duty.