Port Mann Traffic Services - RCMP Sergeant with Short Man Syndrome just Killed my Career and Life

Nearing the end of June 2022, I decided to put airbags in the rear of my 1997 E350 Cube Van. I built a mobile first aid room and office space in the box for work and the suspension needed help. Since it was on dual wheels, I needed to shim out the wheels an inch for the system to fit. That's mistake number 1. Mistake number 2 was trusting what the manufacture said it was rated for. Stating a weight limit of 5000lbs a side they failed after 40 km. 

I was in the slow lane, west bound Hwy #1 just east of the Douglas Rd. overpass in Burnaby British Columbia. Driving at 90 kilometers per hour I first heard a snap then felt a vibration from my drivers rear. The so-called air bag suspension helpers failed. All the air was released, the suspension dropped and then the worst happened. 7 of the 8 lug bolts snapped off. The rear drivers outer dually began to wobble and it was all I could do to maneuver it off the freeway while rapidly slowing down. Parking it well off to the side against the concrete nopost barrier I got out to investigate the problem after hitting my safety strobe lights and donning my vis vest. Soon after a truck and driver from Mainroad arrived. We talked a bit, assessed the situation and a plan of action was developed. 

I couldn't tow it as my truck was too high for a flat deck tow truck, a front-end lift and drive shaft removal was not an option as the rear wheel needed 7 new studs and nuts first, and a rear end lift was out of the question do to I was on a freeway and there was no place to spin around in order to grab the back. So, the decision was made that I would buy new parts and at 9pm a Mainroad Freeway Services operator and truck with an arrow board would supply cover while I fix my wheel so at least I could get it off the freeway to a Costco parking lot a short distance away.

Due to the time of day, I wasn't able to secure parts. I would spend the night in my truck on the side of the freeway. Mainroad called and informed the Hwy. #1 RCMP officially titled the Port Mann Traffic Services of my situation. setting up a half dozen reflective delineators around my truck, it was very noticeable for approaching traffic to see. The next morning, I walked to NAPA Auto parts and got everything I needed. When I arrived back at my truck, I went into my office area and began preparing for the task at hand. 

With in an hour or so this RCMP cop pulls up behind me and walks right into my mobile first aid room / office space. I quickly hold my hands up in front of me with my palms in his direction and say,

"Hang on, just don't walk in to my office space without announcing who you are". 

He replies "Unsecured door, so I don't have to knock. What are you doing here”?

I explain my situation, the mechanical issue and the plan worked out with Mainroad on a time to fix it. I said that doing bit at night was the best choice because there's way too much traffic now. The hazards are too great, the risk of injury and or lost of life was extremely high, and blocking a lane now would cause a traffic jam for 6-8 kilometres. It would be completely unsafe and just outright crazy to do it now. He then called somebody, and when asked stated it was Mainroad to confirm what I just told him. 

With in 5 minutes after his call another RCMP car arrives. Oh, shit here we go I thought to myself. The second car had a Corporal and Sergeant in it. The look on this Sgt. face was one of being already pissed off. Right away he says he is going to have it towed and impounded without even evaluating the situation. I began to explain the reasons why it couldn't be towed. He looks at me like I’m making this up. 

I said to him, "I've got over 10 years towing experience from my youth. Lots of which on this very same stretch of road. I know what I am talking about. Besides, I not only work out of my truck, but was forced to now use it as my home. I’m living bin the damn thing. You want to take my truck, my job away from me, destroy my career, and take my home all in one instant? Is that what I’m hearing".

Changing career hats, I went into full out Occupational Health and Safety mode. I looked him straight in the eye and began explaining the full situation, hazards, risks, outcome if I did the work now and the plan, I had already hashed out with Mainroad. Shit, now he’s really pissed cause I’m right, he’s wrong, and sure as shit we can’t have that now can we.

He then screams at me, “Are you going to shut your fucking mouth and listen to me. I don’t care what you and Mainroad worked out. This is my Hwy. and I’ll make the decisions!” This guy all red faced now to the point I think he’s going to have a jammer. Relenting a little, he then ordered me to do the repairs now. Being the time was between 2 and 3 pm, I knew traffic was only going to get tricker and the situation more dangerous.

I said “You’re going to create a traffic jam from here to the Port Mann Bridge.”

He didn’t care. “Do it now or it being towed’ he screams again.

Well, what we have her is a cop from the Port Mann Freeway Patrol with a clear case of Short Man Syndrome also known as Napoleon Complex. Described on google this way, and this guy had it bad.

• It is characterized by overly-aggressive or domineering social behavior, such as lying about earnings, and carries the implication that such behavior is compensatory for the subject's physical or social shortcomings 
• May try to overcompensate it with overly aggressive behaviour.
• The syndrome is often referred to as Napoleon Complex in reference to the famous military leader.  

This guy had it bad. So bad in fact this is what he does next. As I’m starting the repairs, I’m crouched down beside my truck. He puts an inspection order on the truck and issues me the slip not by handing it to me but dropping it on the ground to my right. The paper soon fly’s away from wind created by the traffic. Then he just leaves like a fart in the wind.

Mainroad has already arrived, I start repairs and traffic if backed up for miles.

So now my truck needs an inspection. I can’t afford that. I sure can’t afford the repairs needed. Plus, the insurance is due today. I’m not only off the road but my career is over as an OHS sole proprietor. This pissy cop just destroyed my life.

                                                    But at least I still have a place to sleep.