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Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin
Interesting take on all of this... Here is something to think about.... I personally would rather see people overly concerned, then just to assume that things are alright when it comes to safety around the water.... Wouldn't you?
If the kids where or weren't in danger is a call that the Camp, the MP and FD have to make and defend.... People saw what they believed could be a dangerous situation, being concerned citizens it was called in, the MP and local FD did there job and responded...
I think ChaseDawg is doing the right thing here in this thread and keeping us all informed.
The good news here is that nothing bad happened..... What if something bad happened, how would people feel? Especially people that realized all they had to do was call the MP, or the Local FD..... A call gets put in because of perceived danger, that is normal, the Authorities decided how critical and how urgent the needs is that is normal.... Sounds to me like everything probably worked as it should....
As I said before, the Marine Patrol, and the local FD, are obligated by law to raise a flag, if they feel there was a negligent act on the Part of the camp....
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I talked to the Tuftonboro Fire Chief Adam Thompson like I said I would to get his perspective concerning the Camp Belknap campers out in storm conditions.. We first had a short conversation about the incident. We didn't have much time to get into it. Then today he called me. We had a very good and interesting talk.
I asked the question: Calling the MP in this particular situation when someone sees an incident that could lead to a dangerous situation... was that the proper thing to do? He said absolutely it was the right action to take. Never hesitate to call us the MP or and authorities. It is important that we have concerned citizens and are willing to report an incident that doesn't look right or could led to more dangerous situation. If something looks wrong by all means report it to the authorities.
He continued. In this case a couple things should have happened or not happened. First there was poor judgement to allow the kids to go out to Melvin Island when a storm is approaching. The storm was also not only visible but it was being reported on Weather apps and on TV channels. The trip should have been cancelled. Or wait until there isn't any threat of a dangerous situation. But to head out as a storm is approaching was wrong.
He said by the time they got the alert from MP and Carroll County Sheriff and got the fire rescue boat out to Melvin Island the storm had passed. They found the 20 campers safe. They were there to spend the night... we were told. The chief said to me I don't know where they are going to sleep there certainly isn't much land to lay down among all the rocks and water. I'm sure the parents didn't expect their kids to be going on a Outward Bound adventure.
So that is the story and accounting by the Chief and I had a great call from Camp Belknap Board member. I appreciate all the positive feedback from the forum members. I got several PM supporting my thread. Now lets move on and hopefully we all can take away something from this.
Be safe but enjoy this 4th of July Holiday.... !!