Helicopter used to chase snowball throwers!

[rotorcraig]

Some people get all the good jobs...

From KCRG-TV:

Helicopter, Squad Cars Used in Chase Over Snowball

(Cedar Rapids-AP) -- Cedar Rapids is serious about its fire trucks.

Earlier this week, a police helicopter and squad cars were called out to help authorities find the suspects who tossed a piece of ice at a fire truck.

It happened Wednesday night as firefighters were returning to the station.

Fire officials chased two people a few blocks before they disappeared in an alley and behind some houses. The truck wasn't damaged.

Copyright The Associated Press

[jayteeto]

This is a serious problem. In merseyside, there are areas where fire engines have police escorts because of attacks on staff fighting fires. Usually carried out by people they are helping!!

[Droopy]

And doesn't Merseyside have the only hospital landing site in the country where the RAF require a police presence because of the likelihood of a Sea King being vandalised?

[ShyTorque]

Jayteeto,

Is that because you can't claim on the building insurance if the fire goes out?

[Hilico]

Here in Harwich we had kids throwing snowballs at the HEMS as it took off. No-one has been arrested so far.

[bondu]

Hilico: It is not only in Harwich. I used to fly EMS in the North West and was pelted with snowballs by a group of kids just outside Skelmersdale (Skumersdale to those in the know!). Balls of snow and ice do not mix well with Bo105s during takeoff! And yes, Merseyside has the only hospital landing site that has an official warning about vandals: again I know from firsthand experience, having had to land there several times!

[John Eacott]

Snowballs? VFL Park was a top helipad to collect beer cans, especially through the rotorblades

Fortunately, even Collingwood fans don't throw tinnies until they're empty