2009-05-21: Route 60 Blitz Kickoff

A collection of photos from the Route 60 Blitz Kickoff event at Henrico County Division of Police headquarters. A Saved by the Belt Award also was presented during the event to Henrico Police's own Lt. L.E. Forstmann. Lt. Forstmann was attempting a left turn on a green arrow from E. Parham Road on to Shrader Road to return to headquarters when a vehicle traveling the opposite direction on E. Parham failed to obey the red traffic signal. As the other vehicle entered the intersection, it struck Lt. Forstmann's cruiser, causing considerable damage to the front end of the vehicle and deployment of the air bag. The other vehicle continued through the intersection, running off the road and down a steep hill, and struck a pallet of cinderblocks. The driver of this vehicle was restrained and sustained no injuries. Lt. Forstmann also was wearing a safety belt and complained only of minor injuries to his back and neck. If it were not for his use of the seat belt and the deployment of the air bag, it is believed that his injuries would have been more severe. Lt. Forstmann's story serves as a good reminder, to citizens and law enforcement officers alike, of the importance of buckling up.

Photographers: Erin Schrad, VACP & Frank Kowaleski, DMV