TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — This week is “Crash Responder Safety Week” which highlights the critical need for drivers to be alert when passing first responders and law enforcement on the road. KMVT spoke with local first responders about the issues they’ve seen when on scene of an incident.

“Most of what I see is people passing by– they’re trying to record,” says Corporal Michael Guest.

You may remember back in 2022 an Idaho State Police Trooper, Michael Wendler was struck by a distracted driver on I-84 while responding to a vehicle fire in Jerome County.

“The motorist was on her phone when he was trying to direct traffic,” says Guest.

Wendler suffered critical injuries and even lost part of his memory. By 2023 he was medically retired from the ISP. However, incidents like this are why “Crash Responder Safety Week” is so important.

“We would definitely recommend drivers to keep their attention to the roadway and driving and not be concerned with recording an accident while driving,” says Twin Falls Fire Department Station 2′s Battalion Chief, Corey Beam.

First responders have been urging drivers to follow the law. Specifically, Idaho Code 49-624, which states that drivers are required slow down and move over when approaching a stationary vehicle.

“The proper thing to do is pull to the right, as its safe, pull to right and get out of the way,” says Manager of the Magic Valley Paramedics, Stan Flint.

According to Flint, first responders usually have back-up support to avoid rescuers from getting injured by distracted drivers. Including the Jerome Sheriff’s Office.

“A lot of times there are troopers that will actually stop at my scene and specifically watch for that,” says Guest.

At the Twin Falls Fire Department, they’re trained to be prepared for possible accidents when responding to an incident on the roads or highways.

“Guys and gals who are trained to drive our engines, often they will park those fire engines in a way that protects the scene, so if someone were to crash into a scene, they will crash into the truck before they crash into our responders,” says Beam.

The consequence for not slowing down or moving over for stationary vehicles is a citation and a $90 fine. If any first responders are injured, you could face jail time.

“In response to what happened to Wendler, they since passed an aggravated reckless driving law that makes it a felony for anybody that causes severe injuries,” says Guest.

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COEUR d’ALENE — Fresh off winning their elections, North Idaho College’s new trustees met with college leadership and their counterparts on the board Tuesday.

Before they’re sworn into office tonight, Rick Durbin, Eve Knudtsen and Mary Havercroft joined Tarie Zimmerman and Brad Corkill in the Driftwood Bay Room on campus for board orientation and development. 

“Something tells me that none of you ran for office out of ego,” Ken Burke, a consultant from the Association of Community College Trustees, told the new trustees. “You ran for the good of the community. That’s what public service is about.” 

Burke emphasized that the trustees have no individual power. Rather, they exercise power when acting as a group during meetings. Their only employee is the college president. 

“You’re on the same team to advance the college,” Burke said. 

Tuesday’s training set the stage for the new board’s first meeting, set for 6 p.m. tonight in the Lake Coeur d’Alene Room of the Edminster Student Union Building on campus. 

On the agenda for Wednesday night are action items related to the college’s current legal services, initiating the president’s contract review and addressing “athletics sustainability.” 

Zimmerman said she felt a good energy in the room when she sat down with Corkill and the newly elected trustees. She indicated she’s optimistic about the board’s ability to resolve the remaining concerns outlined by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. 

“We have such an opportunity to make a quick, positive impact,” she said. 

Zimmerman said the recent election of three new trustees has brought a renewed hope about NIC’s future to campus. She said the past two years, during which she and Corkill were a minority on the board, were challenging for the college community. 

“It’s been heartbreaking many times, not only for the people who work here, but also the students,” she said. “They were suffering. I just know that isn’t going to be the case anymore.” 

ACCT consultant Debbie DiThomas said the staff and faculty are the most important people at NIC. She said the trustees set the tone for the college community and should be mindful of the effect they have. 

“I don’t know if we could emphasize enough the impact trustees have on morale and the feeling on campus,” she said. 

NIC President Nick Swayne agreed. He said the faculty and staff care deeply about the college and many have been deeply affected by the turmoil that stemmed from past trustees’ decisions. 

“The presence of a functioning board is going to have a significant impact on the college,” he said. 

The three new trustees all said they chose to run for office because they wanted to help resolve NIC’s accreditation crisis. The college has operated under a show cause sanction, the last step before loss of accreditation, since last February and has until April 1 to return to good standing. 

“I’m looking forward to serving NIC,” Durbin said. “This is a true blessing.” 

Over the past two years, DiThomas said, people in higher education from all over the country have closely followed NIC’s journey. Whatever happens next will serve as an example to other educational institutions. 

“Everybody is looking at NIC,” she said. “It’s a phenomenal opportunity.”