Stop at Suffolk, Dover intersection now security forces 'area of interest'

Published Feb. 11, 2010
By Lt. Col. Lori Kabel, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron, 2nd Lt. Andy Betz, 21st CES, and 1st Lt. Richard Cheng, 21st Security Forces Squadron

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Airmen from the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron recently installed two additional stops signs at the intersection of Suffolk Street and Dover Street.

This intersection is now a four-way stop.

"These stop signs were 'orange flagged' for approximately six weeks as a means of warning the public of new traffic control measures, but many drivers have chosen not to stop and several near-accidents have occurred," said Lt. Col. Arno Bischoff, 21st CES commander. "We would ask all motor vehicle operators on Peterson to be compliant with new stop signs so we can avoid a potentially fatal accident."

The men and women of the 21st Security Forces Squadron are doing their best to keep this intersection - and the rest of Peterson for that matter - free and clear of any accidents.

"The four-way stop is enforced and regarded by security forces as a traffic enforcement interest item," said Senior Master Sgt. Donald Russell, 21st SFS operations superintendent. "As such, we're providing increased random traffic over-watch and patrolling in accordance with Peterson traffic enforcement laws."

According to Sergeant Russell, violators face a traffic citation and if circumstances warrant, the possibility of having their base driving privileges revoked.

Master Sgt. Tristum Darby, 21st SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of operations, harbors no doubt that making the intersection a four-way stop will enhance traffic safety.

"This intersection in particular is noted for heavy traffic on both streets," he said. "The traffic stop sign ensures vehicles approaching from both streets come to a complete stop while allowing vehicles already at the stop sign to cross the street safely.

Another security forces concern is speeding.

"We patrol areas of interest, such the intersection of Stewart and Langley near the new base housing area," said 1st Lt. Richard Cheng, 21st SFS operations officer. "Drivers are asked to adhere to speed limits and remain vigilant when driving through residential areas."

The speed limit on Suffolk Street and Dover Street is 30 mph. The speed limit in base housing is 15 mph.

(Editor's note: Lt. Col. Lori Kabel, 2nd Lt. Andy Betz and 1st Lt. Richard Cheng are three of the 21st SW's approximately 70-member Unit Public Affairs Representative team.)