Prince William law crashes in derby
Dylan Moore/For the News & Messenger
In what has become an annual tradition, Prince William County Police and other law enforcement agencies compete in the demolition derby at the county fair. This year, the police and county Sheriff’s Office raised $8,500 for Special Olympics.
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By Kipp Hanley
Published: August 16, 2008
It had been five years since Prince William County mechanic Gene Brown participated in a demolition derby of any kind. After Friday's performance at the Prince William County Fair, he may want to consider doing it again.
As part of a fundraiser for the Special Olympics, Brown drove one of the Prince William County Sheriff's office vehicles to victory in his heat—outlasting nine other cars, including Prince William police Officer John Piersol and his blue and white cruiser.
"I think my neck cracked a little, but I feel pretty darn good," joked the 52-year-old Brown.
"Better than a chiropractor and cheaper, too."
Brown and Piersol's vehicles were dotted with personal signatures and decals from various local businesses. These businesses and individuals paid money to sponsor the two law enforcement vehicles and the funds went to the popular international organization.
Piersol said the respective law enforcement agencies raised $15,000 in 2007, a mark they were looking to break this year.
Before the race, Piersol said he wanted to work in tandem with Brown and ideally get into the final round together. His plan didn't work out though.
Ricky Parker of Dumfries works for Automotive Express II and was one of the lucky ones to get in a good shot on Piersol. Parker backed his beat-up orange Chevrolet Caprice straight into the front of Piersol's cruiser
midway through the round.
Piersol was crunched from behind at nearly the same time and was soon out of commission. His early exit didn't get him or the packed crowd down, though. Piersol's police siren and flashing overhead lights elicited cheers from the thousands gathered to watch the event.
"I got two really solid hits," Piersol said. "Holy mackerel, they hit hard. But it was a blast and the crowd loved it."
So did master of ceremonies Delbert Rudolph.
"Thank goodness that siren still works, you can still get to the donut place," joked Rudolph over the loud speaker as Piersol waited out the round in his car.
Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-369-5738.
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Posted by ( Star1968c ) on August 17, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Hi,just wondering, is anyone going to do an article on the PWC Fair Dogshow? There a photographer there and he did take notes and photos. They had good participation from the children. I wrote to the editor as well asking about it . The kids deserve credit for their success in making this event possible. It would be real sweet for them to see their names and pics for the first place winners. Our Boxer, Bambi, won the SADFACE dog competion, and for just one day, we felt like we had a superstar! I hope that your paper can have it in their hearts to see the joy on the kids faces when they see their winning dog in the paper!! Thank you. If you need a list of winners…........Julie (the coordinator) 540-636-2454 or 703 368-0173 from August 16th 2008.
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