woohoo, are you not from here? is there something preventing you from leaving Salem City?

Zorro,

My apologies - it truly was a typo - I meant the dog DAYS of August -besides, I'm NOT a homophobe!

Mader

That homophobic remark about the "dog gays of August" is so you. You must surely be a fine "christian" person. Speaking of running for office, why don't you run for something yourself instead of running off in here? All your notoriety and penchant for keeping all of us safe by casting out demons, exorcism's and other paranormal experiences would make you a fine candidate for public office.... in Salem, Massachusetts circa 1692.

Hicktoria,

You forgot about BigJ's fondness for anyone that he perceives is disrespectful to him and Zorro's admiration for the police dept.

Ah well, it IS the dog gays of August and everyone is both bored and tired of the endless 100+ degree heat.

Hey I've got an idea, lets start a rumor that Steve Tyler is going to resign as the D.A and run for Governor - I'd be willing to be the campaign finance chairman! Whoops, gotta be careful - some of the Advocate's "moderators" don't always seem to have a sense of humor. 8-(

I think we need more "Fatal Funnel", "Chupacabra", and "Dress code" stories. And from the blogging section... We need more discussions from Kenneth not being happy with Obama, Mike stating the fact he is a democrat and wont budge even if the president was Ronald McDonald, and finally more from Josh about God and Gays!!!! :P

I can't help but chuckle when I see someone get riled up in here and proclaim themselves "expert witness" and their considered opinions on a par with Moses coming down from the mountain with the stone tablets. Facts? I don't think so! Opinions masquerading as facts are still opinions.

KCi,

All is not lost. We're waiting for the right moment to throw the monkey wrench into the gears of the Tyler conspiracy theory. Timing is everything.....

DonMader...whatever happened to that fact-filled petition that was going to drive Steve Tyler from office?

KCi,

Anytime I called something a fact, I could and did prove it. When I was expressing an opinion, it was clear that it was an opinion and not a fact.

Unfortunately you can't say the same. I think it's clear that you and the rest of the Tyler tag-team often stoop to malicious innuendos, half-truths,and outright mendacity to try and cover the D.A.'s reckless misuse of power. Whine away.....most people understand where you're coming from.

DavidJ...If the Advocate chose to enforce their policy of not posting unsubstantiated as fact, more than half the postings on here would be deleted. Probably 95% of DonMaders....

To Bad for Officer Pullin but "victorianwatcher" has some truth to what was posted. Whats good for some at VPD is not good for all. More Officers would speak out if they didn't need their jobs. Open mouths and open minds gets you put on the axed list.

Well KCi,

When I see the out-right ignorance, endless stupidity and overt hypocrisy of some of the posts here, I feel obligated to try to provide some balance.

Guess I touched a nerve, hey Bret?

I thought DonMader had said he was not going to post anymore. More empty promises.....

Zorro,

You said "Adrenaline rush refers to an activity of the adrenal gland in a fight-or-flight response, when it is releasing adrenaline (epinephrine). A chronic hyper-adrenaline is a common symptom of an anxiety disorder."

Finally, an explanation of what happens to the D.A.
in court when he's under pressure - his ears turn fiery red and his foot starts taping like St. Vitus Dance - anxiety disorder, of course!

Zorro, you should tell your hero that there's treatment available for that kind of problem. Salazaa has a good idea for a low pressure job for him - Meter Maid (8a-5p hours,lots of fresh air and plenty of exercise.)

davidj,
let this person post. if someone does open the books per se then if nothing is there then it will be done with.

the town knows more than what you think we do. victoriawatcher just puts it to print.

DavidJ 2363 there is alot of that deleting going on around here. Just certian people get their comments, posts and blogs deleated.

I gotta agree with Zorro, if these things are true, why aren't they being looked into??

victoriawatcher raised quite a few serious questions. I assume from the fact they have not been deleted the stories have legs. When will we hear more about this? Once you open the double standard door it hard to close.

Incoming!

Sorry it had to be in a bunch of different sections but I am not sure exactly which part the advocate took issue with, who knows maybe it was the whole thing. At least this way if they have an issue then they will hopefully tak out just the section. If its a facts problem do an open records and request the info. THE CITIZENS OF THIS TOWN DESERVE BETTER!!!!

In the article Ure says, "An essential job function of a police officer is to drive a patrol car". Well the chief wasnt even able to view criminal histories or certain other documents while being charged but yet kept working. The officer aquitted for official opression cant file cases according to the chief under this D.A. but is kept on. Are those not essential to a cop?

For some they go above and beyond to help and for Pullin they cut their ties?? There is so much that goes on in the shadows of this department that is very much in need of being brought into the light, starting at the top. One day maybe that will finally happen but until it does I guess we are stuck in this environment

What of the other officers still working that have three wrecks in a three year period? THE ANSWER TO ALL THESE WHAT HAPPENS: They are all still employed. I watch all this happening and cant help but wonder who chooses the policy the department follows and which ones they do not?

Why was my post banned???? Does Ure get to control that at the advocate too?

I'm surprised noone blamed "gangs" or "illegal immigrants" on this one!

Ure is able to fill and hang on to his position as he is merely a "yes man" for a certain city offical WHO REALLY runs the pd(if you have nothing better to do, look into that). All things do happen for a reason, and if you all did know that officer, you would know what he stands for and that he ACTUALLY does have a backbone and stands up for what is right (always - hard to come by right? beleive it). He really is better off not to belong to that entity. I hope the eldery couple (that T-BONED HIM krs1803) is repayed handsomely for their injuries and and first ever new vehicle. At their age, they really do deserve it!! To ZORRO, if you really have to ask why police are any more special than nurse, teacher, plumber...you are definatley below average IQ. I don't beleive a plumber in the middle of the night knowingly goes into a hostile, gunfire, tense situation to save victims (innocent citizens taxpayers such as..mm..oh..JUSTATAXPAYER)and know he/she may not come home to spouse and children at home (thats huge, think about that...not ever seeing them again...gone...they do this every shift...for you and YOUR family's safety). The plumber comes in the middle of the night to add a late or weekend charge to the bill and make your life a bit more conveinent to your bathroom priveliges. I understand this is an outrage to all of you but I bet if we had a chance for the advocate to splash you on the front page..we just might find some skeletons in your closet (that might actually be worth reading!) I feel I have wasted my time with this but just think,you have all kinds of stuff to discuss now! Best wishes Officer Pullin, to you and your family

Do you all have nothing better to do than to post comments and banter back and forth all day?? I assume you are perfect upstanding citizens and hold jobs that pay taxes and wouldn't be playing online on the job. I would like to address those who read an article in the local news paper and feel the need to post their strong opinions about a subject they feel they know all about because the media never with-holds facts/info and always prints the truth and nothing but the truth. Your ignorance is forgiven as you couldn't possibly know the details of this incident as Ure and the advocate only printed the pertinent info for damage control on the city's behalf against the impending lawsuit. You couldn't possibly know about the ordeals and badgering this officer had to endure as the city tried to "pin" an assortment of accusations to take the blame off of the city. You couldn't possibly know (EXCEPT BY MAYBE GOSSIP??) that this accident wasn't totally due to the lights being off on the outside but the switch (in an extemely old unit) on the inside being on (with pictured evidence)...making the officer beleive they were on...was that ever investigated? I guess that would waste your tax payer dollars (justataxpayer) proving an officer's innocence and opening another lawsuit of a ($30,ooo??) car malfunctioning...
So lets take it down to 2 accidents (crashes?? great wording)14hrs of driving in a zone quickly to call after call...it would be nice if you all who feel like casting stones, would be able to do this career and be effective at it, WITH ABSOLOUTLY NO MISTAKES. I wouldn't expect any of you to know that there are SEVERAL officers with 2 ACCIDENTS pending within a similar short period of time so it isn't uncommon and that officer isn't a horrible driver (and should lose your liscence BIGHORN)......(by all means guys, make sure you aren't in an older unit and don't get that third!!!) And yes, I beleive its true that there have been a few shady instances where there was spots "arranged" for 3-accident-police-veterans.

"One of the minor crashes was also attributed to Pullin. In April 2008, he failed to put his patrol car in park when he got out to chase a fleeing suspect on foot, according to police records."

Adrenaline rush refers to an activity of the adrenal gland in a fight-or-flight response, when it is releasing adrenaline (epinephrine). A chronic hyper-adrenaline is a common symptom of an anxiety disorder.

More disturbing...Ure's quote that this does not effect the young man's law enforcement license. Holy cow! Under 24. Three wrecks in two years! He shouldn't even have a drivers license!

Ok. Well im a younger citizen of victoria. And this article is making this all officer Pullin's fault...
But who really knows the "Truth." Or the real story behind all of this. Has anyone stopped to think who would be taking the bad out of victoria, if it wasn't for officers like Pullin. For example when the patrol car was not put in park. Would you rather have the guy he was chasing still running around or serving for his crime?? Did anyone stop to think that this was a minor mistake anyone could've made, because their mind was on the more important thing. yes hitting a car is obviously pretty tragic to you people. But this officer deserves a little bit more respect than your giving him. Because no where in here does it list the good things he has done to protect you!
GOOD LUCK OFFICER PULLIN!!

that's not a good way to start your law enforcement career! you'd get fired anywhere for 3 wrecks plus you'd have to go for a urine test to check for drugs in your system! In any job you work at you have to be the best or you're gone out the door! I'm sorry for everyone being cold and cruel but you have to suck it up! Sometimes just one accident and you're fired! Good Luck and don't give up!

every company vehicle ive ever had, pretty much came with a 3 wrecks and you're gone policy

very standard

To all the posts complaining about law enfocement, car accidents, unfair treatment of Pullin having to quit and another officer not, etc., look forward 10 to 20 years. Our country will be a Socialist Nation at best, will most likely have been taken over by a foreign interest or strong nation, terorism will have again struck at a major magnitude, and we, if lucky, may be protected by some sort of military, vs law enforcement as we know it. Said military will probably not consist of American born and bred folks. This situation at hand is peanuts. Yes, maybe law enforment has gone from Mayberry to a few overworked guys with attitude, that stand out from the good guys, but I am happy to know life as it is today, if I need the Police, a home grown guy or girl will show up.

He resigned before he was indicted for some baseless allegation and then subjected to a witch hunt. It is Victoria you know.

Krs said......"No, I did not say he was carrying drugs when in the accident. In his overall VPD career....the drugs he seized were worth way more than $30,000."

I believe the $30,000 is the worth of the elderly couples vehicle he totaled.

Mr. Pullin; This is a note to you. I know you've learned alot from this. Remember failure is only failure if you give up or if you don't learn anything from it. If you can, move from this God-forsaken "Salem, Massachusetts" town and start over. Remember, most folks change careers 3 times within their lifetimes, anyhow. No shame in doing something else if you don't like being a policeman. If you DO like police work, then start over and do a good job. Your life is not over, yet. I know you must feel bad, all these people beating a dead horse, but that's how it is around here. Believe me, if I could move, I would. It's probably a sign that it's time to start all over elsewhere. Try to do better in everything you do and remember, you'll feel better about yourself when you're older and have succeeded in your job. Good luck to you. Live life, take chances on a new career, and don't look back.

Why are cops more special than say, nurses, teachers, firemen, sanitation workers, welders, truck drivers or any other important job? If you need a plumber to come out in the middle of the night because your toilet is backed up, isn't that important work too?

"You coming here & saying those people & their vehicle are less than his worth as an officer is offensive."

Please go back and re-read. I never said that nor did I imply that. It just sounds like some on here are more concerned with the dollar worth of his patrol car than his good actions on the job. It is very sad for the elderly couple he hit. By no means am I discrediting them or their situation.

How many indictments does a Police Chief need before termination?

Krs, I'm sure he is a great guy. You coming here & saying those people & their vehicle are less than his worth as an officer is offensive. He was wrong, the dept admits it, he admits it, etc.....How do you think this elderly couple is feeling? They lost their car, almost their lives & now they are taking heat in here. Some of y'all need to step up like Officer Pullin, be a man, admit your mistake & move on. I do admire him for doing what is right in this situation & wish him the best.

No, I did not say he was carrying drugs when in the accident. In his overall VPD career....the drugs he seized were worth way more than $30,000.

And no, I don't suppose the city should sell his drugs seized to pay for this damage. All Im saying here is he was a great guy and most of you don't know half of the story and are too quick to judge here.

I totally agree that although this officer was a good officer, he did have 3 wrecks. The policy does absolutely state 3 wrecks and you are out. Based on the policy he should be terminated. But, so should the other officers that had 3 accidents, or they should change the policy. I definitely agree that anyone who has not had the opportunity to ride along with an officer should do so. You will be amazed at the stupid, time consuming calls they have to make in addition to the real police calls that they make. Did you know, that they go out to people's homes to check them if people are on vacation and they call the dept to do this task. Also, they go on calls because a parent cannot make their 12 year old child do what he is told. This is something that occurs occasionally, it is all the time. They also respond to calls when someone complains that their neighbor swept their grass clippings on to the sidewalk. Some of you are complaining that the "cops" in Victoria are bad apples or think they are above the law. Yes, I agree some do. But not the majority of them. The problem is they can't keep veteran officers here because the pay stinks. They can go 90 miles up the road and make $8,000.00 more to start with 3 years experience. Until the City starts seriously taking a look at the pay scales of other comparable departments, as they did with the City Manager's pay, Victoria will be nothing more than a training ground. When you have young, inexperienced police officers, you will continue to have problems. No difference with any other company. You have to be able to retain your well trained, talented employees, and not treat them like dirt.

krs..."Everyone is so wrapped up in the $30,000 car...I'm sure the drugs he seized are worth way more than that! C'mon people!"

What are you wanting the city to do...sell the dope to pay for the cars? Even a cop has to have personal responsibility for his actions. Driving in the dark without any lights is about as irresponsible as it gets. People could have DIED as a result of his actions -- hell, HE could have died.

Inwood..."Who care's about a $30,000 car, when he's freakin trying to help out his fellow officer chase a man that is fleeing from him. Did y'all forget about the guy that broke the law first?"

Well, let's see now. He wasn't much help to the other officer, was he? He gets no points for good intentions. The result was that not only did he not help the other cop, he wiped out a citizen's car and put two people in the hospital. He wiped out a VPD patrol car -- those don't come cheap. He prevented several other officers from doing what they could have been doing -- perhaps helping the other cop catch a guy because they were tied up working HIS accident. All in all, not a good night.

You people need to read & comprehend before you go off half cocked. The car he totaled WAS NOT carrying drugs, it was carrying law abiding citizens who happened to be in his path. How many of you could afford to be out of a car for however long it takes for the insurance company to settle, much less the time involved to hassle with the insurance company. To insinuate they were to blame because of age is WRONG. Also the officer RESIGNED, was not fired, so it was his choice, maybe with some pressure applied. I also do not agree that the police should be given free reign to hit anyone in their way to get to where they need to be. Whoever said 75 yr olds have no business driving need to remember 24yr old males have a pretty bad track record when it comes to driving safely, probably more so than 70+ yr olds.

I was on the fence on this, which is why I was questioning what sort of retraining program they have for repeat bad drivers but after reading you people blaming everyone but the officer, I have to say, maybe his resignation was for the best.

Everyone is so wrapped up in the $30,000 car...I'm sure the drugs he seized are worth way more than that! C'mon people!

VTEXAN77904 : I know exactly who you are talking about and that is the first thing I thought of when I read this. It seems like the rules change to suite the department.

Pullin is better off without the political crap that this town throws out. I hope he finds a better paying job that will also come with respect. It's too bad that the political crap runs off all of our good people. My husband works for the city too and we are looking to get out of Victoria because of the political stuff. Never seen a city soo clicky in my life!

Justataxpayer....he didn't total three vehicles.

I wish someone would investigate the Chief of the department. It is a fact that they had an officer with more than three wrecks that they moved to a training position to keep her until one dropped off her record. PLAY WITH THE SAME RULE BOOK FOR ALL EMPLOYEES FOR A CHANGE URE!!!! This is exactly what he was known for in Watauga. Now we in this city are stuck with him.

I have the utmost respect for all police officers, sheriff's deputies, state troopers, etc. They have the hardest job on earth. May God bless them all. (And now, they have to worry about not getting in an accident to keep their jobs!)

Until the blue code of silence is broken, the police will continue to see erosion in public confidence. We recently witnessed here in Victoria the mother of all hypocrisy and double standards. We witnessed the demise of the hallowed principle that no man is above the law. Lady Justice was sacrificed to protect the powerful and the few.

Officer Pullin is a great guy, not deserving any disrespect by readers...especially those that do not know him personally. VPD has benefitted from his work and he will be truly missed.

What the advocate does not post is the fact that when Officer Pullin failed to put his car in park to chase the guy...the guy he stopped made the same mistake and fled without putting his car in park as well.

Hopefully one day he will be able to return to Victoria PD!!

John- well put. My husband and I have a friend who left the police force because of what he had to deal with on a daily basis. We have heard the stories. It is amazing what they go through. Your right my eyes were opened. A good respectable man who was a da*n fine cop left and took a job that paid him 8 dollars an hour. That speaks volumes right there.

justamom,

Alot of people aren't aware of what is really going in this town and that might be part of their ignorance. I encourage all of you to contact the Police Department and set up a ride along. I have a buddy that I ride with occasionally and it's an eye opening experience to see just how bad this town really is. People just can't seem to act right.

Respect is mutual.

I do not know this young man, but yes he needs another chance. The first few years of a new career are always the hardest and a learning expierence for everyone including police. No one is perfect. As far as Jbucks comment- there are always going to be bad apples in any group. We can't hold the good ones responsible for the bad ones. If that is truly what happened then I have to ask..Was this person you know drunk? Was he arguing with the cop? Was he resisting in any way? Did he give him probable cause? It is not always black and white. There are a lot of factors. I agree that the media has painted a bad rep for police. I have to be honest (I know this may offend some of you) in this area ("Crossroads") the crime and stupidy is so rampant that maybe the cops have been conditioned for this area. Maybe they are more cautious than others. I have had to call the police here and I have been pulled over. I always gave respect and I got respect in return. One gentleman took the time to go above and beyond his duty and help us out of a bad situation. Even giving us his cell phone number to call him if we needed him.

Well I guess it's true what they say, what goes around, comes around. This guy, arrested someone I know last year, for having the wrong address, on his driver license.One, the license is not even in Victoria county. The citation is a class c misdmeanor. He was utterly disrespectful, and very unprofessional. I'm sorry you don't treat people how you want without the respect, and think your getting away. I don't feel sorry, maybe he still needs to grow up. So Victoria Advocate, censor this if you want, it's just the truth!

justataxpayer

Your remarks are concise and well put. In these forums, the police groupies take people like you and I to task for speaking the truth. They would have you believe that all cops are saints and saviors, and not a bad apple in the barrel. This officer will be hired by another police department and continue his ways. The only change that will occur is one of location, not attitude or behavior. Having an open and free discussion about the police in these forums always brings about immediate and stern repercussions of abusive posts.

A fish rots from the head down.

I agree with Jack. This guy deserves another chance. Look at his hours behind the wheel. He's high risk for accidents anyway due to his higher exposure. I, too, have failed to turn my lights on at night after a quick stop. He was working extra hours, hurrying to help another officer. My goodness, where has our compassion gone? If he's a good officer, very professional, counsel him, give him another job for a while and get him back on the streets where we need him.

285 where are you getting your information?

Try more like 6-7 officers on the street at one time...On the occasional lucky day there might be 10.

It is always nice to have 20/20 vision on other people's mistakes. Yes, this officer made a few mistakes. When you started off in your job or career, did you not make a few mistakes. The unfortunate part is Officer Pullin's mistakes have been aired out in the newspaper, front page. Yes, based on the departmental policy, this officer was terminated. He received his punishment. But, I guarantee he did not receive much praise for the good things he has done for the City of Victoria. He worked a thankless job, working 12 hour shifts. Which by the way are more like 13 - 14 hour shifts. They have to be in the briefing room 10 - 15 minutes early, they are not guaranteed a lunch break, and they normally have to stay after their shift ends to finish all of their paperwork. If it has been an active day for the officer, he could be their for an additional 2 hours. Then they have to be back to work for their next 12 hour shift. Heaven forbid they have court that day. Did you know there are normally only 10 officers on the streets at any given time. Does the Advocate print this information on the front page? How about the police dispatchers got a substantial pay increase, if I am correct around 14%. The City Manager got his huge raise, and what do they want to give the police and fire departments 4%. These officers do their jobs for you guys not for the praise they get, because it is very little. They miss family functions, holidays, all because most of them have a calling to serve publicly. So the next time you decide to start bashing the police, think about what they have sacrificed. And yes, there are going to be good and bad employees in any job. Just don't paint all of the police with the same broad stroke of being incompetent. Hope you all have a blessed day.

Turkey and David- thanks for the FYI. I knew I had heard something, but wasn't sure of the details. Thanks! :-)

Bobby, if you would have continued reading you would have seen guest1234 corrected his mistake.

"The patrol car's black box showed Pullin did not break until after the collision, which suggests he did not see Jennings' car, Ure said."
-----

"Break"?
How about "brake"?

"The patrol car's black box showed Pullin did not break until after the collision, which suggests he did not see Jennings' car, Ure said."

break = brake

Justamom
Alton I thought OSHA laws state that if you are driving a "work vehicle" it is against the laws of OSHA to drive over 12 hours. I believe it is deemed unsafe. I havn't read OSHA in years though so it could have been changed. I think if we hold truck drivers to that standard we should do the same for the police that are here to protect us.

I don't know what law enforcement uses but if I'm not mistaken for rig drivers it's like 6 to 8 hours.

Operation Border Star merely an excuse to spend taxpayer money on overtime.

I do not know this officer personally, but what I don't like to see is police officers routinely breaking traffic laws while they are driving. I am on the road every day doing my job and see a lot of pathetic driving, and a lot of it from the police themselves.

Yes, by all means...send him to another town where he can endanger the lives of THEIR citizens. Driving without your headlights, at 60 miles an hour, 45 minutes after sunset, is just plain stupid and irresponsible. He placed the city (and the taxpayers) in a terrible liability position. Good riddance!

Thank goodness this guy is off the streets,he could have killed someone. 3 wrecks in 2 years,in a cop car? This guy needs a job behind a a desk or something. Wait can someone drive him?lol

Alton I thought OSHA laws state that if you are driving a "work vehicle" it is against the laws of OSHA to drive over 12 hours. I believe it is deemed unsafe. I havn't read OSHA in years though so it could have been changed. I think if we hold truck drivers to that standard we should do the same for the police that are here to protect us.

Working extra shifts can be a major attention destroyer. And night time is another major handicap. I can recall myself, forgetting to turn on my car lights after a quick stop at a convenience store on the way home after working 17. I don't believe anyone should ever work more than 12 hours, and everyone should be off at least 10 hours before returning to work. It is just not safe.

This is Texas. Give the man a horse!

funny how u trust ur fellow officers to "take a bullet for you", but they can't seem to even take a few days of criticism for believing in you and standing for the truth with integrity and pure motives. guess i wouldn't want them to even attempt taking a real bullet...they'd probably dodge it at the last second anyways. if only everyone knew all the facts. regardless, officer pullin, remember that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. he can take whatever he wants....don't let him steal ur joy.

maybe he should patrol on a bicycle like they do in Phoenix Az.!

This officer came to my sister in laws home on a criminal mischeif call. He exhibited utmost professionalism. He was able to calm down the owner of the vehicle who isnt a resident at that home. I wish all of VPD officers had his demeanor. Ive seen a few who have such a bad attitude they need to be relieved of their duties.

Best of luck Officer Pullin!

Come on Chief, rehire him as a meter maid.