Pretty scary when you see the lights in your mirror?
Returning from Rutland today I was stopped several times. I thought I knew exactly why (for the most part) however it is always a bit unnerving when you see the blue lights in the mirror and know you are the only one in front of them. I will admit I had a 36" door with a full frame strapped to my roof, however I was pretty certain this was not the issue.
I was stopped first 6 miles out of Rutland. It took me by surprise since I haven't seen blue lights in my mirror for many years. It was not until I pulled over at the first place I could find that I realized I was the one being stopped. It was pretty obvious when the state police cruiser followed me to where I stopped, then I knew it was me they were after.
After seeing several videos in the last couple years about police and the intrusive methods they can use I began to feel a bit worried. This however was not the case at all. I live in Vermont! Growing up one of the most trusted people we knew was Leroy Prior, a VT State COP, (as we used to call them). and as kids we used to talk to him all the time. I think at times we bugged him so much he should have told us to leave. He was however a truly caring individual. Even when we called him Uncle Leroy, and as we later found out he was a real hero. It would turn out that the officer who stopped me was one of the same mold.
I had just acquired my car from a friend in NY and registered it in VT. I had since done everything the car needed to pass inspection.. except for getting the inspection done. There is a 15 day period in VT to do so and it was obvious when he came to the window and said, "No you were not speeding" that it had to be the sticker. This was confirmed when he walked to the front of the car and looked below the mirror.
He asked for my paperwork and my license when I told him I had just registered the car. With a quick look at the papers he handed them back to me though he held on to my license saying you are all set as soon as I run a 27. I sat in the car for less than a minute before he returned. I asked him "what is a 27" and he replied it was a license check. Looking at him a bit confused he added, You have a clean record. It checks for violations, warrants and reports.
Handing me back my license he asked if it was a door on top of my car. Although I felt I didn't have to explain I did so, feeling much more comfortable with the situation. He the told me we were all set and to have a good day before adding, If you get stopped again tell them that the big fat ugly guy has already run a 27 on you. Not knowing quite how to respond I told him, Thank you I will do that.
3 miles down the road I did and it worked. It was a couple more miles before I saw more blue lights and this time I was checked again. Another 27 and all was well.
I have to say that the police, peace officers, constables and such in our state are something to be proud of. In all my 57 years I have only had one who made me feel uncomfortable and it was not in VT.
Thank you to all those in our beautiful state who "Protect and serve". You do your job with compassion and understanding.
