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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
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Name:
Shawn
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Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
I despise drunk drivers, but to have a job where you see first-hand the horrors of what happens makes this so much worse.... the only good thing is that he didn't take anyone else out with him.
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/source-off-duty-suffolk-cop-killed-in-crash-was-dwi-1.1351565
August 5, 2009 By ANDREW STRICKLER [email protected]
The off-duty Suffolk police officer killed in a highway crash in June was drunk and driving at "an excessive speed" when he hit a guardrail on the Long Island Expressway, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation.
At the time of his death, Officer Robert Bowen's blood-alcohol content was 0.15, nearly twice the legal limit of .08, the source said, citing the results of a recently completed medical examiner's toxicology report. Speed well above the posted limit was also found to be a contributing factor.
Bowen, 34, of Ronkonkoma, a Third Precinct patrol officer, was off duty when he drove east on the Long Island Expressway at about 4 a.m. on June 21. As he approached Exit 58, he clipped a sport utility vehicle from behind and lost control of his BMW, then swerved into an exit lane guardrail and flipped over. He was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene.
His brother, Michael Bowen, 32, of Port Jefferson Village, said he last spoke with Bowen just before the crash, when he called from his car.
"I spoke to him at 4:09 in the morning. He was coming to pick me up to take me to work and he sounded 100 percent coherent. He didn't say where he'd been," he said. "Honestly, I don't know where he was because I didn't have a chance to have that conversation with him."
Chief Michael Sharkey of the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department confirmed the toxicology results. A final crash reconstruction by New York State Police will include an estimate of Bowen's speed. The report is not complete; spokesman Frank Bandiero said the agency has 90 days to finish it.
The day before the crash, Bowen worked the 3-to-11 p.m. shift at the Third Precinct in Bay Shore. Deputy Insp. William Neubauer of the Third Precinct said he didn't know where Bowen was after finishing his shift. "His time was up at 11 o'clock the day before he died. After that, it's a question mark," he said.
Suffolk police Commissioner Richard Dormer and spokesman Timothy Motz declined to comment. Dan Aug, a spokesman for Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, said the executive's office had not received any information from State Police. He declined to comment further.
Michael Bowen said he hoped the news would not hurt his brother's reputation.
"He was a great man and a great father . . . and a great son to my parents, regardless of whether he went out and had a few beers," Bowen said. "He drinks. He goes out. A lot of people do."
He added that his brother was under stress related to his work, family obligations and time in the military.
Robert Bowen, a seven-year veteran of the department, served at least four years in the Marine Corps before becoming a reservist. He was deployed to Kuwait in 2003 and Iraq in 2007, where he was an elite sniper. He and his wife, Vanessa, had a daughter, Emily, 2.
The driver of the Ford Explorer that Bowen hit told deputies that he was in the center lane and going the speed limit when the BMW swerved around him, clipping his rear bumper. The driver was not hurt.
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Posted 8/6/09 8:02 AM  |
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jam11308
Member since 11/07 7273 total posts
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
ITA with you. How do you work dd crash sites and then go out & drive drunk yourself? It makes no sense 
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| Posted 8/6/09 8:20 AM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
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me
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
I find this so disturbing!
Michael Bowen said he hoped the news would not hurt his brother's reputation. "He was a great man and a great father . . . and a great son to my parents, regardless of whether he went out and had a few beers," Bowen said. "He drinks. He goes out. A lot of people do."
WTH?
He was a cop. He is supposed to represent the Law. I DO expect because they are figures of authority representing the Law to have higher standards. Or at least show the example. Because if we can justify that cops can drink and drive because he was "like a lot of people" we do have a huge problem on our hand.
And maybe we need some serious change for this whole drinking and driving to stop.
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| Posted 8/6/09 8:21 AM |
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headoverheels
s'il vous plaît
Member since 6/07 42079 total posts
Name:
LB
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
a cop should KNOW BETTER. i am so sad that this guy did not. thank god he didn't kill anyone else.  
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| Posted 8/6/09 8:31 AM |
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MsSissy
xoxoxo
Member since 3/07 39159 total posts
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
That's terrible...but I honestly had a feeling about this.
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| Posted 8/6/09 8:36 AM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
He was a great man and a great father . . . and a great son to my parents, regardless of whether he went out and had a few beers," Bowen said. "He drinks. He goes out. A lot of people do."
Really horrible quote.....
It's unfortunate that he killed himself. TG he didn't kill anyone else while doing something so stupid.
Message edited 8/6/2009 8:52:36 AM.
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| Posted 8/6/09 8:50 AM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
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They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
never mind. No more posting before having coffee in the morning.
Message edited 8/6/2009 10:21:51 AM.
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| Posted 8/6/09 9:07 AM |
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anonttcer
BOOOO for fall!
Member since 7/06 10082 total posts
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Meaning a NON ttcer!
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
I had a feeling this was the case when I first heard about this accident.
They said he was "socializing with friends after a late shift".
Where else would you be socializing at that hour of the night/morning? A bar.
And I found it hard to believe he was in a bar and not drinking.
And then there was the fact that he was speeding, lost control of the car... it all reeked of DWI to me.
How about going home to your wife and kids after work instead of getting plastered in a bar and driving home wasted?
Thank God he didn't kill anyone innocent...
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| Posted 8/6/09 9:10 AM |
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mommy2Alex
3 babies for me :)
Member since 5/05 6683 total posts
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
Posted by anonttcer
I had a feeling this was the case when I first heard about this accident.
They said he was "socializing with friends after a late shift".
Where else would you be socializing at that hour of the night/morning? A bar.
And I found it hard to believe he was in a bar and not drinking.
And then there was the fact that he was speeding, lost control of the car... it all reeked of DWI to me.
.
I said the same thing to my mom when this story first came out. But I didn't think they would say publicly that he was drunk since he is a cop.
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| Posted 8/6/09 9:59 AM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
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me
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
Posted by Kara
Posted by smdl
I find this so disturbing!
Michael Bowen said he hoped the news would not hurt his brother's reputation. "He was a great man and a great father . . . and a great son to my parents, regardless of whether he went out and had a few beers," Bowen said. "He drinks. He goes out. A lot of people do."
WTH?
He was a cop. He is supposed to represent the Law. I DO expect because they are figures of authority representing the Law to have higher standards. Or at least show the example. Because if we can justify that cops can drink and drive because he was "like a lot of people" we do have a huge problem on our hand.
And maybe we need some serious change for this whole drinking and driving to stop.
This isn't disturbing at all. Yes, what he did was awful and yes, he it's amazing he didn't hurt anyone else... but this statement came from a grieving family member. This drunk driving incident is probably the worst thing that man has ever done and his family is entitled to mourn the great things he did in his life.
Honestly, I'm as anti-drunk driving as anyone else (if not moreso), but to tear apart the words of grieving family members is just unfair. If my brother died today, I wouldn't be 100% sure what I was saying... And it wouldn't be how I'd want my family member remembered either. His brother isn't the villian here.
I pray for the family that is grieving a son, brother, cousin, nephew. I understand the anger and confusion and horror they must feel knowing that his selfish, stupid act caused his own death (and thankfully no one else's). I am angry that someone would do something so selfish - especially someone who should know better than anyone... but I don't begrudge the family their grief over the loss of someone who was to them probably a pretty remarkable guy. That's the good thing about most families -- they love you unconditionally and are able to see the good in you even if you make monumental, huge, unforgivable mistakes. I'm just glad this mistake didn't cost anyone else their lives.
And I pray every day for an end to drunk driving.
It's not about a grieving family member. Saying he was a good brother, great dad is one thing but trying to justify that his brother goes out and drink like a lot of people does not justify what he did. He did clip a car during the crash. What if he had killed others. Yes, nobody deserves to die but I sure hope a cop would know better. And saying others do it do, does not make it any better.
Message edited 8/6/2009 10:03:37 AM.
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| Posted 8/6/09 10:02 AM |
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anonttcer
BOOOO for fall!
Member since 7/06 10082 total posts
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Meaning a NON ttcer!
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
Posted by smdl
Posted by Kara
Posted by smdl
I find this so disturbing!
Michael Bowen said he hoped the news would not hurt his brother's reputation. "He was a great man and a great father . . . and a great son to my parents, regardless of whether he went out and had a few beers," Bowen said. "He drinks. He goes out. A lot of people do."
WTH?
He was a cop. He is supposed to represent the Law. I DO expect because they are figures of authority representing the Law to have higher standards. Or at least show the example. Because if we can justify that cops can drink and drive because he was "like a lot of people" we do have a huge problem on our hand.
And maybe we need some serious change for this whole drinking and driving to stop.
This isn't disturbing at all. Yes, what he did was awful and yes, he it's amazing he didn't hurt anyone else... but this statement came from a grieving family member. This drunk driving incident is probably the worst thing that man has ever done and his family is entitled to mourn the great things he did in his life.
Honestly, I'm as anti-drunk driving as anyone else (if not moreso), but to tear apart the words of grieving family members is just unfair. If my brother died today, I wouldn't be 100% sure what I was saying... And it wouldn't be how I'd want my family member remembered either. His brother isn't the villian here.
I pray for the family that is grieving a son, brother, cousin, nephew. I understand the anger and confusion and horror they must feel knowing that his selfish, stupid act caused his own death (and thankfully no one else's). I am angry that someone would do something so selfish - especially someone who should know better than anyone... but I don't begrudge the family their grief over the loss of someone who was to them probably a pretty remarkable guy. That's the good thing about most families -- they love you unconditionally and are able to see the good in you even if you make monumental, huge, unforgivable mistakes. I'm just glad this mistake didn't cost anyone else their lives.
And I pray every day for an end to drunk driving.
It's not about a grieving family member. Saying he was a good brother, great dad is one thing but trying to justify that his brother goes out and drink like a lot of people does not justify what he did. He did clip a car during the crash. What if he had killed others. Yes, nobody deserves to die but I sure hope a cop would know better. And saying others do it do, does not make it any better.
Yeah that "well everyone does it" kind of statement was truly moronic!
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| Posted 8/6/09 10:04 AM |
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HeatherRose
Life is Good :)
Member since 11/07 6605 total posts
Name:
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
Posted by Kara
Posted by smdl
I find this so disturbing!
Michael Bowen said he hoped the news would not hurt his brother's reputation. "He was a great man and a great father . . . and a great son to my parents, regardless of whether he went out and had a few beers," Bowen said. "He drinks. He goes out. A lot of people do."
WTH?
He was a cop. He is supposed to represent the Law. I DO expect because they are figures of authority representing the Law to have higher standards. Or at least show the example. Because if we can justify that cops can drink and drive because he was "like a lot of people" we do have a huge problem on our hand.
And maybe we need some serious change for this whole drinking and driving to stop.
This isn't disturbing at all. Yes, what he did was awful and yes, he it's amazing he didn't hurt anyone else... but this statement came from a grieving family member. This drunk driving incident is probably the worst thing that man has ever done and his family is entitled to mourn the great things he did in his life.
Honestly, I'm as anti-drunk driving as anyone else (if not moreso), but to tear apart the words of grieving family members is just unfair. If my brother died today, I wouldn't be 100% sure what I was saying... And it wouldn't be how I'd want my family member remembered either. His brother isn't the villian here.
I pray for the family that is grieving a son, brother, cousin, nephew. I understand the anger and confusion and horror they must feel knowing that his selfish, stupid act caused his own death (and thankfully no one else's). I am angry that someone would do something so selfish - especially someone who should know better than anyone... but I don't begrudge the family their grief over the loss of someone who was to them probably a pretty remarkable guy. That's the good thing about most families -- they love you unconditionally and are able to see the good in you even if you make monumental, huge, unforgivable mistakes. I'm just glad this mistake didn't cost anyone else their lives.
And I pray every day for an end to drunk driving.
I could not agree more with Kara!
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| Posted 8/6/09 10:20 AM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
Posted by anonttcer
Posted by smdl
Posted by Kara
Posted by smdl
I find this so disturbing!
Michael Bowen said he hoped the news would not hurt his brother's reputation. "He was a great man and a great father . . . and a great son to my parents, regardless of whether he went out and had a few beers," Bowen said. "He drinks. He goes out. A lot of people do."
WTH?
He was a cop. He is supposed to represent the Law. I DO expect because they are figures of authority representing the Law to have higher standards. Or at least show the example. Because if we can justify that cops can drink and drive because he was "like a lot of people" we do have a huge problem on our hand.
And maybe we need some serious change for this whole drinking and driving to stop.
This isn't disturbing at all. Yes, what he did was awful and yes, he it's amazing he didn't hurt anyone else... but this statement came from a grieving family member. This drunk driving incident is probably the worst thing that man has ever done and his family is entitled to mourn the great things he did in his life.
Honestly, I'm as anti-drunk driving as anyone else (if not moreso), but to tear apart the words of grieving family members is just unfair. If my brother died today, I wouldn't be 100% sure what I was saying... And it wouldn't be how I'd want my family member remembered either. His brother isn't the villian here.
I pray for the family that is grieving a son, brother, cousin, nephew. I understand the anger and confusion and horror they must feel knowing that his selfish, stupid act caused his own death (and thankfully no one else's). I am angry that someone would do something so selfish - especially someone who should know better than anyone... but I don't begrudge the family their grief over the loss of someone who was to them probably a pretty remarkable guy. That's the good thing about most families -- they love you unconditionally and are able to see the good in you even if you make monumental, huge, unforgivable mistakes. I'm just glad this mistake didn't cost anyone else their lives.
And I pray every day for an end to drunk driving.
It's not about a grieving family member. Saying he was a good brother, great dad is one thing but trying to justify that his brother goes out and drink like a lot of people does not justify what he did. He did clip a car during the crash. What if he had killed others. Yes, nobody deserves to die but I sure hope a cop would know better. And saying others do it do, does not make it any better.
Yeah that "well everyone does it" kind of statement was truly moronic!
You guys are right. I didn't read the entire thing correctly. I completely missed the "everyone does it" part of the statement and I apologize for that.
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| Posted 8/6/09 10:21 AM |
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heathergirl
Cocktail Time!
Member since 10/08 4978 total posts
Name:
American mouth
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
 So unnecessary!!
for his family
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| Posted 8/6/09 11:19 AM |
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KarenG2003
My BIG man and my little man!
Member since 4/08 1684 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
What a disgrace! This guy should have known better. Shame on him. 
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| Posted 8/6/09 12:07 PM |
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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
Common sense to you and me doesn't always enter into people's minds. I am in NO WAY condoning this behavior but consider that many people in high stress or high danger jobs have vices like these. Smoking, drinking, drugging to excess. When things get tough, many people turn to a release. I know I smoked and drank to excess in my years with EMS and knew many many others who did also. EMS workers, firemen, cops.
Again, not condoning, just offering something additional to consider about the incredulity regarding how someone who sees the affects of drunk drivers could do it themselves. That's all.
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| Posted 8/6/09 12:28 PM |
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MrsKelly
just hangin' around...
Member since 11/06 6305 total posts
Name:
Krista
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
Posted by headoverheels
a cop should KNOW BETTER.
we should ALL know better. cops are human, just like everyone else. we all make mistakes. i absolutely agree with the "everyone does it" tone of his brother's statement being moronic... i also agree with the THANK GOD he didn't kill or injure anyone else... but i would feel that way about anyone in this situation. holding a cop to a different standard is unrealistic. it would be nice to be able to, but it's just unrealistic. there are good eggs and bad eggs, just liike with everyone else.
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| Posted 8/7/09 12:53 PM |
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anonttcer
BOOOO for fall!
Member since 7/06 10082 total posts
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Meaning a NON ttcer!
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
Posted by MrsKelly
Posted by headoverheels
a cop should KNOW BETTER.
we should ALL know better. cops are human, just like everyone else. we all make mistakes. i absolutely agree with the "everyone does it" tone of his brother's statement being moronic... i also agree with the THANK GOD he didn't kill or injure anyone else... but i would feel that way about anyone in this situation. holding a cop to a different standard is unrealistic. it would be nice to be able to, but it's just unrealistic. there are good eggs and bad eggs, just liike with everyone else.
You don't become a sinless God when you become a cop...
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| Posted 8/7/09 3:04 PM |
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MetsGirl07
LIF O2 Vendor
Member since 12/07 16202 total posts
Name:
Deanna
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
i knew him.. and he was such a great person.. i just thank goodness that he didnt hurt anyone else.. its just a awful situation. he had a 2 year old.. i feel so bad
there is a little backstory with his brother so i can see why he gave a statement like that.
just tragic.. however, it is true that cops get a bad rap for those "bad eggs" although i hate thinking of Robert being that "bad " egg
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| Posted 8/7/09 3:12 PM |
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DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
I knew it with this one too. 
This and the Taconic crash - I heard it, heard the times/details of the story and I said to my parents that the drivers were drunk in both cases.
I reeeeally didn't want it to be true w/ this one because, unfortunately, since he is a Police Officer (off duty at the time, but still) people are going to use him as an example to how they feel about Police in general... and that gives cops like my brother a bad name.
In reality, I know that all groups of people have 'bad apples' and anyone can be a bad seed -- It is just a shame though because a lot of people don't think this way and will just see this story and say - see, why did I feel bad for that other cop who was hit by a drunk driver? He probably did the same thing... etc. Meanwhile, that could not be further from the truth.
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| Posted 8/7/09 5:45 PM |
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DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
Posted by smdl
I find this so disturbing!
Michael Bowen said he hoped the news would not hurt his brother's reputation. "He was a great man and a great father . . . and a great son to my parents, regardless of whether he went out and had a few beers," Bowen said. "He drinks. He goes out. A lot of people do."
This is absurd.
This is what kills me - that people don't want to separate the idea that people CAN go out and drink, have a good time AND YET still be responsible and NOT drive after doing so.
No one said having a few beers was wrong as long as the person is of age, no one said he couldn't go out and have fun, etc. NO ONE is saying that -- the problem is when he got behind the wheel after that.
Same thing w/ the guy who hit my brother -- when he said that he was "so sorry" and would "never drink again" -- DRINKING isn't the problem -- I drink, my husband drinks -- we went out just last night with a bunch of friends (on vacation) to celebrate our last night on vaca -- we just didn't DRIVE AFTERWARDS. 
Is it that hard??
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| Posted 8/7/09 5:49 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
Such a shame. Now his child will grow up NEVER knowing her dad.
I understand that people with high pressure jobs often turn to vices such as drinking but you would think someone with a child would think better of it.
What a senseless thing to do...Now that poor little girl has to grow up NEVER really knowing her dad.
So sad.
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| Posted 8/7/09 6:05 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Another drunk driver story....an off-duty cop
Posted by DaniRella
Posted by smdl
I find this so disturbing!
Michael Bowen said he hoped the news would not hurt his brother's reputation. "He was a great man and a great father . . . and a great son to my parents, regardless of whether he went out and had a few beers," Bowen said. "He drinks. He goes out. A lot of people do."
This is absurd.
This is what kills me - that people don't want to separate the idea that people CAN go out and drink, have a good time AND YET still be responsible and NOT drive after doing so.
No one said having a few beers was wrong as long as the person is of age, no one said he couldn't go out and have fun, etc. NO ONE is saying that -- the problem is when he got behind the wheel after that.
Same thing w/ the guy who hit my brother -- when he said that he was "so sorry" and would "never drink again" -- DRINKING isn't the problem -- I drink, my husband drinks -- we went out just last night with a bunch of friends (on vacation) to celebrate our last night on vaca -- we just didn't DRIVE AFTERWARDS.
Is it that hard??
Unfortunately people don't always think. They don't use their heads or common sense and they make the fatally WRONG decision to get behind the wheel after drinking. I don't think this guy got behind the wheel with the specific intent to hurt himself or anyone else but unfortunately he made a HORRIBLY wrong choice and drove when he shouldn't have.
I've never had to go through anything like what you've been through with Kenneth or lost anyone in a drunk driving crash so maybe my POV is what it is.
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| Posted 8/7/09 6:10 PM |
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