WHO SHOULD PAY FOR THIS?

Elyria – On September 26th at 5:15 a.m. Elyria Firefighters were called to Cascade Park to rescue a man after he fell 25 feet down a hill and possibly broke his leg. Firefighters had to set up a rope rescue which meant using all of the on duty Firefighters in the city.


The man’s friend, 28 year old Jeff Carson of Lorain, told Police he and his friend, 51 year old Joe Hurlbut of Elyria, had been walking along a trail just before Hurlbut fell down the hill. Hurlbut landed on the riverbank and was wedged in some rocks.


The rescue of Hurlbut lasted about 2 hours and was called successful by Firefighters who say this is what they train for. Hurlbut was transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital and then was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland with a broken leg and back injuries.


Elyria Police cited both Hurlbut and Carson for Criminal Trespassing. Carson was also charged with Disorderly Conduct Persisting after he refused to stop yelling and cursing at Firefighters, citizens and our own Photographer Brian Woods.


This is not the first time that Elyria Firefighters have had to perform such an elaborate rescue in the same area and now Chief Richard Benton would like the City to explore options of charging “at-fault” people for such rescues. This rescue cost the city approximately $2,000.00 in overtime to cover the stations while on duty Firefighters were performing the rescue. Benton believes it is not fair to the taxpayers to cover these costs if someone has to call out the Fire Department while breaking the law.


With the City in financial trouble and cuts being made in all departments do you think this is a good idea? Share your “constructive” thoughts about this idea on our FACEBOOK PAGE.


PHOTO GALLERY by BRIAN WOODS