Must funerals mean gridlock?
Neighbors say long processions snarl daily life
By Loni Ingraham
lingraham@patuxent.com
Posted 11/19/08
Like some other residents affected by ceremonies at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, she is fed up with the traffic gridlock generated by lengthy and elaborate funeral processions for firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty.
Some would think she is being callous considering the loss the families have suffered. But Sussman and others aren't questioning if they should be honored. She is challenging how they are honored.
"They deserve the utmost respect," said Sussman, "but it's a safety issue. We need more concern about the safety of civilians."
Sussman talks about the traffic backups on Interstate 83 created to make way for the processions headed for the cemetery and the huge exodus of vehicles after the ceremony. "While they are holding up traffic, I'm afraid I'm going to be killed," she said.
The processions shut down the entire area and affect residents, businesses and unfortunate drivers caught in jams on main roads, she said.
"My concern is nobody seems to be managing it. I think they are just doing whatever they want to do."
The huge procession for Maryland State Trooper Mickey Lippy in early October left Mays Chapel resident Birdie Kraus stuck in traffic for more than an hour as she tried to cross York Road to get to Dulaney High School.
She was supposed to pick up her granddaughter to take her to Pikesville for an appointment with the orthodontist. Even though she knew the back roads, she couldn't get to her, Kraus said, so she had to forfeit the $40 fee.
Traffic was backed up for miles on York Road both north and south of Padonia Road, she said. She saw fire engines from Cockeysville trying to get past the mess.
"People were driving up on the curb, pulling into gas stations or parking lots, she said. "They were doing anything they could to get out of the way."
And it's another mess when the funeral is over and the traffic disperses, she said.
"Do they have to be honored in this way? Do you really need horses and 50 fire engines? Nobody can imagine the gridlock these funerals cause unless you're trapped in it."
Dulaney High School principal Pat McCusker doesn't have to imagine the gridlock: The school is just down the street from the cemetery.
He became aware of the problem on his first day on the job last year. "I had to call ahead to find out how to get there without going up Padonia Road," he said.
Drivers who depend on main routes that are already often congested -- such as York Road, Padonia Road, I-83 and the Baltimore Beltway -- are bearing the brunt of the lengthy processions, even though many of them originate in Baltimore City or in other counties the deceased called home.
Recognition deserved
A disproportionate number of the processions end at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens because the cemetery offers the families free burial as a gesture of respect.
John Mitchell, whose family purchased the cemetery last year, is proud to continue the tradition.
"Every person is special to someone," he said, "but when it's a firefighter or police officer they are special to the community because they touch so many lives. They deserve the recognition."
There have been four such processions since Aug. 11, according to Mary Auld, who coordinates them for the cemetery. Her husband, as it happens, is a county firefighter.
"It's important we pay tribute to these people who put their lives on the line each time they go to work," Auld said. "I understand what they do when they leave the house.
"To me it's just a short disturbance in someone's life to sit and wait."
Not everyone is willing to buck the long-honored tradition of the elaborate funeral processions designed to show solidarity.
Eric Rockel, president of the Greater Timonium Community Council, which represents the area's residential neighborhoods, said he has never received a complaint.
And at Dulaney High, McCusker said it's not a problem. "We just make an announcement that buses are to use alternative routes," he said.
But residents have told Kraus that when they know one of the big funerals is on tap "they just don't go out," she said. "You can't go on with your life. You have to work your way around these funerals."
Keeping traffic moving
"We're well aware of the traffic issues," said Baltimore County police Capt. Martin Lurz, commander of the Cockeysville precinct. "We don't want these roads closed any longer than they have to be."
The department tries to be proactive about informing the public so people can plan around the procession, he said, noting police sometimes uses variable message boards and go to the media to get the word out when a long procession is expected.
People question whether the parade effect is necessary, he said, but "It's determined by the family's wishes."
"We don't know sometimes until the day of the event how many vehicles are involved," especially if it originates from a distant point, Lurz said.
His office maintains contact with a vehicle in the procession so that roads can be closed as late as possible and reopened as early as possible.
Anyone with questions about the timing and route of a procession or anyone with a medical issue anticipating a problem in reaching a destination can call the precinct at 410-887-1820.
The precinct also has an extensive e-mail tree to foster better communication with community associations, Lurz said.
"If they contact us, we can try to negotiate a way through this," said county police spokesman Mike Hill. "We're open to suggestions."
user comments (11)
user bryce says...
Sensitivity and compassion goes hand and hand when a loved one dies. A fireman or policeman who risks their lives each day is a challenge. For a fallen officer, the ultimate price has been paid. Communication is also a key. The weather person will remain us that snow is coming. We will prepare to run to the supermarket and buy food, drinks and personal needs. This should be the same for an officer’s funeral processional to the Delaney. Folks in the community can’t wait for the officer to get one final ride in peace? Picking up the telephone or listing to the news about a burial would show a red flag stating: Make another plan. Allow the family to ride in peace. Cease the fussing, bow your head, place hand over heart and give thanks. Folks who have houses near airports, jails and buses survive everyday in their community. Come on Cockeysville, allow unity to rise. Sensitivity and compassion: bloodbrothers.
Posted 4:54 AM, 11.20.08
user stevetowson says...
Well stated Bryce! These folks dedicated, and gave up their lives in the service of people who can't wait for them to be buried, and out of their ways so they can get on with their lives. Disgusting, and disgraceful!
Posted 8:36 AM, 11.20.08
user tdr0619 says...
I have the utmost respect for all of the police and fire officials that dedicate their lives to serve our community. But, I also have the same respect for the citizens of our community that may need to be able to get in and out of their homes in a timely manner. For instance, there was an article a few weeks ago stating that a person could not get to his dialysis treatment due to the traffic from one of these funerals. Is someone supposed to lose their life out of respect for one of these lives being honored?
Posted 2:35 PM, 11.20.08
user stevetowson says...
As was said, these funerals, their dates, times, and routes are well publicized. It would be wise for those that live in the area, and along these routes to pay attention to them, and plan schedule their lives accordingly. Respect is more than words, and using the word "but" in your post puts a qualification, or footnote on that respect. These types of inconveniences happen to people who live near stadiums, race tracks, concert venues, and such. All these folks understand the situation, and plan their lives around events, and live in concert with the situation in their communities. They plan ther lives in a "go with the flow" manner. It's amazing that the biggest complainers of such inconvenience are those who can't seem to to the same thing during the funerals of public servants that others have little trouble with during Ravens, and Orioles home games.
Posted 8:28 PM, 11.20.08
user anothercitizen says...
TO Ms. Judy Sussman and tdr0619, I would like to say thank you for being so selfish and self centered. Our Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters have dedicated their lives and their time to protect the citizens like you. Would you also question this issue if when our soldiers that died in battle got the same courtesy? Both of you are probably the type that just disregard the donation letters you get from your local Police and Fire Departments. I have pulled over and have been moved to tears by the sight of these elaborate processions. To see men, women, & children stop and honor the men and women they don’t even know for the service they provided in there life is breathtaking. I feel that they deserve a few moments of your time after they pass. As advertised as these processions are you should know well in advance that this is going on. Leave a few minutes early if you need to go out. Do you remember the last time one of your family members or friends passed away and you were in the procession taking them to their final resting place? Let me remind you, that procession screwed traffic up also. I will remember to complain to your family when I get caught in traffic because of your funeral procession. Again, thank you for your ignorance.
Posted 2:27 AM, 11.21.08
user tdr0619 says...
anothercitizen, While you are entitled to your opinion, don't assume anything. You are only showing YOUR ignorance. Opinions are like....everyone has one. Doesn't make yours any more right than mine.
Posted 12:55 PM, 11.21.08
user stevetowson says...
Perhaps it's no more right, but it's far more adult, far more respectful, and and also respected among those that are not self centered egotists that feel that rearranging a deceased person's funeral is more important than the need to be able to get in and out of their homes in a timely manner. What a pity that the death of a police officer, or fireman costs you an hour or so every now and again. The next time you're sitting in your car steaming at family memers who have lost a loved one maybe... JUST MAYBE the thought of a widow, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and fatherless children being in your way instead of faceless automobiles might help you deal with it better. Having to post common sense statements make me wonder where the civility in our society has gone.
Posted 1:17 PM, 11.21.08
user joeyb says...
Most police and firefighters die of natural causes just like the rest of us. These elaborate funerals are mostly for heart attacks and cancer. It seems some of you are conjuring the images of police on tv which are no where near reality. Cops and firefighters are not dying left and right to save your lives and they aren't risking their own every single day. I am so sick of the ridiculous exaggerations. Why should taxpayers foot the bill for hundreds of state employees to take a day off of work to attend funerals for people they never met?
Posted 8:38 AM, 11.23.08
user bcfdwife says...
OKAY NOW JOEYB... you are allowed to have your own opinion but god help you if your house ever caught on fire or something happened to you or your family that you needed the police department!!! Yes they are people too and die of natural causes BUT at one time or another they have put THEIR LIVES on the line to help you and your family. They deserve more respect for that. I am a stay at home wife and mother of a fireman in Balto City and volunteer at Lutherville. I am crushed and disappointed that this article even was allowed by the Towson Times, let alone on the front page. I can't believe that anyone on this earth would complain about TRAFFIC for 1 day when some family has lost a loved one. My husband goes out everyday and risk's his life for your family, friends and loved one. I know you can say that is part of the job and risk he takes, but if it wasn't for people like him, then who would do it. I think this is the most insensitive thing I have ever read in my life. The Towson Times and the women they interviewed should be embarrassed and ashamed. My family deserves more then that for the cost we would pay if I were that family burying a loved one. My husband is out there providing for his wife and 4 kids every day doing the right thing for his community and I am home everyday just praying that he does make it home every day and night after is shift and THESE PEOPLE all they have to worry about is the TRAFFIC that day. GIVE ME A BREAK.. I personally will NEVER pick up another Towson Times for even giving that women the time of day for such a hurtful article.
Posted 10:22 AM, 11.23.08
user bcfdwife says...
OKAY NOW JOEYB... you are allowed to have your own opinion but god help you if your house ever caught on fire or something happened to you or your family that you needed the police department!!! Yes they are people too and die of natural causes BUT at one time or another they have put THEIR LIVES on the line to help you and your family. They deserve more respect for that. I am a stay at home wife and mother of a fireman in Balto City and volunteer at Lutherville. I am crushed and disappointed that this article even was allowed by the Towson Times, let alone on the front page. I can't believe that anyone on this earth would complain about TRAFFIC for 1 day when some family has lost a loved one. My husband goes out everyday and risk's his life for your family, friends and loved one. I know you can say that is part of the job and risk he takes, but if it wasn't for people like him, then who would do it. I think this is the most insensitive thing I have ever read in my life. The Towson Times and the women they interviewed should be embarrassed and ashamed. My family deserves more then that for the cost we would pay if I were that family burying a loved one. My husband is out there providing for his wife and 4 kids every day doing the right thing for his community and I am home everyday just praying that he does make it home every day and night after is shift and THESE PEOPLE all they have to worry about is the TRAFFIC that day. GIVE ME A BREAK.. I personally will NEVER pick up another Towson Times for even giving that women the time of day for such a hurtful article.
Posted 10:27 AM, 11.23.08
user says...
I am a 12 year old daughter of a baltimore city fireman and every single day or night I worry if My dad is going to come home safe. Being a fireman or policeman is very hard work. The amount of courage it takes them to do what they do is indescribable! And yes, they dont have to do what they do, but if they didnt, god forbid your house catches on fire well I hope you know how to put it out. And for that very reason people like my dad who almost every day save lives, I would gladly sit in traffic for them. Traffic can be a safety hazard but you survive it on the beltway don't you? I dread the day my father dies but when he does he sure does deserve the funereal that is given today. And I am very disappointed that that cruel lady would EVER say something so horrible. And for her cruel comment to be IN THE PAPER!, sickens me. I hope her comment doesnt have any effect on the funereals for the police and fireman because I will be the first to protest! I hope that Towson Times learn there lesson of how STUPID they were to even put it in the newspaper let alone the first page. And the fact of the matter the lady and the people that agree with her WILL NEVER be able to understand this matter. Because they obviously do not have family members doing the job as a fireman or police officer. Because if they did and I was in there family, I dont know if I could forgive them. I think the Lady and this matter is heartless and unkind. And I hope she realizes how unkind it was for her to even think that.
Posted 9:18 PM, 11.23.08
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