Maintenance Lesson #1: Do Not Rush

by Todd Prevost, PCI #650
Lafourche Parish (LA) Sheriffs Office

So, it’s Halloween afternoon and Parish officials announce that trick or treat times have moved up one hour due to an approaching thunderstorm.  My patrol bike was in need of some tuning up after a fleeing felon ran through it during an attempted traffic stop a few days ago.  With the missing hour from my agenda I had to decide whether to start maintenance or grab another bike.  Of course, I want to ride my usual, so I get to work in my department bike shop.

Although pressed for time to make it out for the kiddies collecting their treats, I’m working fast and confidently...so fast that I spun my front wheel before my finger was clear.  I was adjusting the brake caliper in relation to the rotor, and with a swipe of the rotor, there goes my finger tip.

I rush to the ER, check myself in, and a short while later receive a visit from one of our majors.  He and another deputy were outside the building were the shop is located and heard enough when I ran out yelling to know that I was headed to the ER due to my cut finger.

My maintenance shop is rarely visited by department management, but my injury sparked investigative curiosity and they entered to look at evidence.  Lo and behold!  They find the finger tip stuck to the rotor, retrieve it, and bring it to me along with the picture taken prior to recovery.

My lesson learned...do not rush.

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