Aurora — Policeman Doug Byrne made several key mistakes when he responded to a medical emergency last spring — errors that may have cost the officer his life.
That’s according to a police investigation into the death of 37-year-old Bryne, who rolled his police cruiser on East Sixth Avenue just blocks from the emergency scene on March 25 and died a few hours later.
The man involved in the medical emergency, 25-year-old Sedrick Niblet, who was having a seizure, also died.
According to the investigation, Bryne made several errors, including:
Dispatchers did not notify Byrne nor the other responding officer that the fire department already was at Hoops Park treating Niblet.
“At the crucial moment, had he been wearing a seat belt and had his emergency equipment on, he may be alive today,” police spokesman Bob Friel said today.
Police already have implemented several policy changes, including notifying officers as soon as possible if fire or police have arrived on the scene.
During training, the use of seat belts and sirens and emergency lights is being emphasized.
According to the report, Bryne was heading east on Sixth Avenue when he tried to pass a car from the right lane. The motorist, noticing another officer in his rear view who had her lights and siren on, moved to the right at the same time Byrne was trying to pass.
Byrne lost control of his vehicle, the report said, and overcorrected by turning left, causing his police cruiser to slide. He hit a planter in the median and rolled one time. Bryne was ejected from the car.
It was not known whether Byrne detached his seat belt because he was close to the scene or whether he ever was wearing it.
Byrne’s father, Donald Byrne, said today that he was not aware of the report but said the events leading up to his son’s death are in the past now.
“What happened, happened. You’re not going to change things,” he said. “The main thing we focus on is Doug was a brave, kind-hearted man. He lived an honorable life. He was always there for his friends, and he is greatly missed.
“He was a great guy.”
Staff writer Carlos Illescas can be reached at 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com.
