You are on page 1of 2

Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Office

Media Release

Date: Thursday, April 20, 2017

Time: 1600

Incident #: NTSB Report

Nature: Statement

Location: Click here to enter text.

Information: On behalf of Chief Jeff Hadley of the Kalamazoo Department of Public


Safety, Kalamazoo Township Police Chief Tim Bourgeois and I would
like to address the National Transportation and Safety Boards safety
recommendation report issued on April 11th, 2017 regarding the Cooper
Township Bicycle Crash that occurred on June 7th, 2016.

First and foremost, collectively we are steadfast in our support of our


Dispatch personnel who handled this incident professionally, by policy
and in the manner in which they are trained.

We worked diligently with the NTSB in an effort to correct factual errors


in their initial draft and imparted upon them to be more comprehensive in
their investigation. Despite our efforts the NTSB came to far reaching
hypothetical conclusions suggesting better communication might have
prevented this tragic incident. This alone is a disservice to all stakeholders
involved in this incident particularly the victims and their families.

In the NTSB report I would point to Board Member Earl F. Weeners


dissenting statement (pg.7) which we believe captures the essence of many
of our concerns and provides insight to the NTSBs own lack of consensus
on this event.
Anyone who may have further information is asked to contact the Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Office at
269-383-8748 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100. Information can also be reported online at
www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
Page 1 of 2
Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Office
Media Release

In the interest of helping to insure a fair trial for the accused, it would be
inappropriate to go into further detail regarding the shortcomings of the
NTSB investigation at this time. We would welcome the opportunity to
do so once this trial is complete.

We are the largest supporters of consolidated dispatch. There are many


merits and good reasons to work toward consolidation for our community.
Those merits and benefits should stand independent of this event

Contact: US Paul Matyas (pgmaty@kalcounty.com)

By authority of: Sheriff Richard C. Fuller III

Anyone who may have further information is asked to contact the Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Office at
269-383-8748 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100. Information can also be reported online at
www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
Page 2 of 2

You might also like