Thu, 07/31/2008 - 9:44am

Yeah, I think the cop did everything in his power to avoid those children... However, excluding this cop, I have seen cops speeding excessivly and i beleive its becoming a problem. They do it because they know they can get away with it. On the way to my grandpas funeral my uncle, who is a cop, was going 35 miles per hour over the speed limit. When i asked him what would happen if we got pulled over, he pointed to his badge which was on the dash in front of us. Every so often you here a story about a cop that kills someone on the road. Two girls up in Absecon were killed a couple of months ago by a cop that blew through a 4 way stop sign. I have already decided that the next time I see a cop speeding down the road I am going to follow him and leave a fake ticket on his window telling him to slow it down. Just because your a cop doesn't mean your incapable of getting into an accident. But the cop in this article seems like a good guy... i hope everything gets resolved and the kids are alright.

Tue, 06/03/2008 - 2:49pm

Was he rushing to or from work? Police officers and North Wildwood Firemen think that just because they have the uniform, they can do whatever they want.

Sun, 06/01/2008 - 11:59pm

First of all, I never want to see anyone, especially children get injured, but I must ask where was a consenting adult when all this happened? Why weretheses children unsupervised? Maybe this would not have happened if the parents wee doing there job!!! Maybe the parents should be arrested or fined for not supervising their children!!!!

Fri, 05/30/2008 - 1:25am

To 4:40PM, actually he did hit the brother too. The brother was treated by EMS for cuts and scrapes on his arm from where the truck hit it.

Thu, 05/29/2008 - 1:37pm

I think maybe the herald should do another release of this article with the right information... David ringer in an awesome guy and very respectful he did everything he could to miss these children was willing to take his own life and go into the woods... Its ashame ppl have to be rude and put him down as if it were his fault... I know david personally and i got the full story right after it happened the sound of his voice he was terrified and sad... He couldnt stop thinking about it and hasnt stopped it will be with him forever... God bless the little girl i hope its a fast recovery and props to dave for doing everything he could do..

Wed, 05/28/2008 - 11:54pm

To 4:40, where in the worls do you get your information that the driver was "pulling the emergency brake"? It's people like you that embellish the story to clutter it with opinions that are far from fact. From my knowledge of vehicle dynamics, If he had pulled the emergency brake the truck would have been put into a spin almost certainly causing more injuries the the pedestrians

Wed, 05/28/2008 - 9:10pm

To 4:40pm from 10:30; you, like most in this county talk out of your ass. Yes, I do have kids. I have a 2 and 4 year old child. I teach my children to respect laws and people. Meanwhile, days ago, I watched 2 small ones riding up and down a one way street within inches of the road which has delivery and trash trucks speeding down it. The smallest one tried to walk onto our gated porch with no mother or guardian in sight. When I mentioned this to her later, she got offended and said that the kid couldn't have opened the gate anyway. Point is that irresponsibility usually starts with the adult. Another point is that I stuck up for the Philly cops who have been murdered recently because of lazy black men and my experiences with them. I will never bash a good cop. I bash the ones like in this county who recently have been charged with rape, manslaughter, sexual assault, drugs and more. Again, when you speak and make accusations, try to atleast sound somewhat intelligent.

Wed, 05/28/2008 - 6:04pm

Maybe the family and State Police gave the wrong info? Arrording to the PR the officer was a wildwood officer not North Wildwood where he worked.

Wed, 05/28/2008 - 4:40pm

To 10:30: You obvioulsy dont have kids, because if you did you would not be worried about the person who hit your child but more that your child survived. And the fact that he didnt hit her brother or injure her further shows that he was paying attention. The reason her brother stopped was because he heard the screeching tires, at which time Ptlm Ringer was hitting his brakes and pulling his emergency brake when he saw the children crossing north bound traffic. God forbid anyone deliver credit where credit is due. Now if this a drunk driver then it all gets thrown out the window, but it wasnt. This was somone coming home from work, the same as you do everyday im sure, and it just so happened that all poeple involved were in the wrong place at the wrong time. At this point what does is matter, you will all find another cop to bash, and other people to blame and it will be like this whole story never happened, and thats the saddest thing of all.

Wed, 05/28/2008 - 1:31pm

To Harry Scheeler - if you get your quotes from family and police records, how do you explain sooooo many errors in your story. This guy is definitely not the siblings' father so who told you he was? And he's not confronting the officer, he's helping to explain exactly what happened. Many bystanders came to help the officer and the little girl. To quote the state trooper taking eye witness accounts - not one person including the mother of the child said it was David's fault. The children ran across the street from between the stopped cars going north without ever looking. Dave did everything possible to stop and also for the record - only the little girl was hit, not her brother. He heard the screeching tires and stopped running, the little girl did not. Our prayers are for the family and for David Ringer and even for you that you get your stories right.

Wed, 05/28/2008 - 10:41am

The information in the article came from family on scene, from an official NJ State Police press release. The interview was done on tape as all of my interviews are that I use quotes for. This man was pointed out as the child's father. As far as "all bad pictures" in the Herald. I can only photograph what I see when I am there. My job is to illustrate what’s going on and the emotions of those affected. My photographs show the sorrow in this officer’s face. If anyone feels they have additional information about what happened and the conditions of the victims or officer please call the Herald.

— Harry B. Scheeler, Jr. Photojournalist

Wed, 05/28/2008 - 8:00am

Bottom line is, a child was injured accidentally, and the driver (who I know and love) will hold that traumatic moment with him forever. Everyone is so quick to jump at the fact that hes an officer! I bet if he were the officer who responded to the call, and saved the lilttle girl everyone's opinion of him would be different. Its not who is at fault that is the big picture here..... It was an accident and a little girl is hurt and a driver will be mentally scarred forever. Think about it, Dave is a police officer, in this profession we see sick things every day, The fact that he is as upset as he is shows something about his character and the type of person and police officer he is. He did everything he could to avoid that accident which is by the way, the reason her brother is not right next to her in that hospital bed. Forget for a second what his job title is and think that he is a human being and has feelings like everyone else. Who ever it was that mentioned the alcotest is apparently not the sharpest tool in the shed, the guy is in uniform! Be Real!! If your going to bash a cop, be sure you bash the next one who saves your life, your childs life, your family members life.. etc...I hope those of you who want to blame everyone else can find it in your hearts to prey for everyone involved. And FYI the herald did mess this story up as usual! For a paper, your not very informed.

Wed, 05/28/2008 - 7:22am

Will somebody please give this guy with the sandal a name, There's two different articles saying that it is not the father. Just curious if the Herald is wrong and jumped the gun again. Why should we read it if they can't get the story straight.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 9:45pm

Its funny how the herld puts out all bad pictures but wont dare to put the pictures of this guy above patting this officer on his back... This is not the girls father once again the herald screws up another thing with this article...

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 9:29pm

Wow to 7:30 honestly grow up who says peace out now adays its 2008!!!
Im pretty sure he spelled everything right and the capitalization is to prove a point and get it across.... this is a sad situation and everyone is just fighting now grow up...

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 7:30pm

I love the way you people scream about how you want the officer to be treated the same as everyone else and then scream he should be given the Alcotest. If he were being treated the same as John Q. Public there would be no probable cause to give the Alcotest. And to the guy/gal that posted he looks "guilty" because of his picture. You gotta be kidding me? We are now going to fine people guilty because they way they look in a picture? What part of Communist Russia did you come from? Better yet, lets put you through a traumatic event such as this officer and we will see how cool and calm you stay. The poor guy is obviously upset by what is going on but in your world being upset means you are guilty. Lastly, if he was to be treated like everyone else his occupation would not be listed. When was the last time you read in the paper "John Duo struck a pedestrian. John is employed at the local WalMart." Don't even give it any thought, private citizens never have their occupation listed. You don't want Police Officers to be held to a higher standard, you want them to give up thier Constitutional Rights.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 7:30pm

To 5:14pm, First off, I'm not a bartender. Secondly, I'm not a basher. I have 3 cops in my family. I respect those that respect others. Thirdly, I am the same person who wrote defending the Philly cops in this same Herald who were killed by blacks in relation to the black on white crime. I respect authority when it warrants it. When the people, officers, Government hide behind their position or abuse their position, then I don't! Yes, I did go to college. Lastly, everyone knows that you never capitalize your whole statement. You come across as a little man wanting to be heard. Also, the next time you want to respond to my comment, get your spelling and grammar correct. Peace out!

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 6:26pm

If the Herald had their story straight they would never had to repost it> That means rewrite the story because they had false information if you need me to explainit to you. So that means they had FALSE information!!

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 5:14pm

4:02, YES YOU ARE A VERY VERY INTELLIGENT BARTENDER. AND HOW MANY YEARS OF COLLEGE DID YOU SUFFER THROUGH TO GET TO YOUR ALMIGHTY POSISTION. STOP WHINING ABOUT WHAT YOU DIDNT SAY AND STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND ADMIT YOU MESSED UP INTELLIGENT ONE. I SEE YOU AS A COP BASHER DUE TO YOUR PAST MISTAKES. OFCOURSE BLAME THE COP, RIGHT ?

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 4:48pm

I love how people think the Herald does not have the story straight. This is a PRESS RELEASE from the STATE POLICE. And yes it still would have made it here if you come to this site at all you would know they post EVERY major accident.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 4:22pm

The herald needs to get the story straight before they post false information... Some ppl have no heart he did everything he could possibly do to miss these children... Hes not at fault the children should of looked both ways before crossing the street a main highway. To the person that posted at 12:38 shame on you! He looks scared and flushed cause he just ran a little girl over on accident.. he looks like he is going to be sick... Cops have feelings to.. thank god his driving insticts came to him from what they taught him in the academy he was willing to take his own life or get seriously injured rather hurting the children just like any other cop would do...everyone bashes on cops but when its something that involves you your there best friend... I know this cop personally and he feels horrible and cant stop thinking about it and will last with him for the rest of his life as with the family... Dont beleive what you hear or read cause obviously nothing is true...My prayers are with everyone...

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 4:15pm

As someone who personnally knows dave i would like to say he was returning from work going home. he was not drinking obv and the pba would not have his bback he is a class two oficer not full time. David is a hard working young man and has made himself a very respectable officer. the parents understand there child was at fault yeah there obv upset but come on... every police officer get's treated just like any citizin .. in fact there held to a higher standard... if this was a regular citizan this wouldnt have even made the paper..

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 4:02pm

To 2:51pm, that shows how clueless you are! I never drank vodka in my life! Not only am I not drunk, but I am much more intelligent than you. If you read it correctly, I never accused the officer of drinking. From the pictures, it looks like he was on his way TO work. I said that he looked very nervous, possibly guilty, and his cheeks were flush. Other people who commented made reference to him drinking or possibly being drunk. I did not and my point was that officers should be held at higher standards. I have personal knowledge because I was rearended by an off duty officer in NE Philly after we left the same bar. Nothing was done about it. You have several officers and correctional officers in Cape May County being charged with rape, manslaughter, sexual misconduct, drugs, and so on. That was the point I made! Before everyone coddles the officer or blames the kids, just remember that they should be more accountable and more aware of their surroundings. And, yes, if you were the driver in that accident which was on a holiday, you would have been questioned about your possible drinking , speed, or given a breathalizer...FACT!!! Before you start character assassinations on people who ponder questions, go to Acme and buy a clue! I speak out of experience working in the bar business and being struck by a repeat drunken officer. You speak out of ignorance!

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 3:54pm

Only just one of the previous comments appears to have come from someone who was there.Unfortunately my husband, daughter, my daughter's friend & I were all there. We have the burden of knowing that if we hadn't had reason to stop just then, that these children would probably not have been uninjured.
Firstly, we are not irresponsible "vacationers". My husband has owned a home in South Jersey for almost 40 years. We enjoy our home take care of it and pay the taxes.Noone can predict when someone will get ill traveling. We did our best to get out of others way and take care of our situation. We are as responsible driving etc,. in Jersey as in our own home state.Jersey needed their tourist economy the last time I checked
Secondly, how can you begin to condemn the children - saying they didn't look to cross and may have acted recklessly. I'll admit I never saw them myself but, some of our group has stated to me that they looked before crossing both times. They were reportedly walking, not running wildly across the road.
Thirdly, I know what clothing colors the children were dressed in and wondered myself how the driver missed seeing them sooner. But what about the sun glare at that time of day on that road. Who missed seeing who? The driver seemed to have good responses in his effort to stop-drunks don't. He also seemed terrified himself as he grasped the situation. He was pleading for anyone to call 911.
We all feel traumatized by this event. I'd like to make contact with the family to express just that. Blaming either party or us, the "vacationers", will not help anything. All of us should just keep both the children and driver in our prayers

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 2:51pm

To the writer at 12:38, you simply have no clue. I myself hit a child on a moped that made a U-turn directly infront of me. When I look at the picture I see pure fright of what had occured. I see all those feelings I had and nothing else. It would be sad that you would have to deal with such terror of harming or killing a child so go back to your booze and sleep it off. Even worse that you should have to deal with that terror is that someone would have to get hurt to prove the point. The Police have to have probable cause to arrest for DWI and obviously there was none. Karma you drunk, Karma !!!!! I think the only thing your 100% certain of is your Vodka.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 1:34pm

I'd like to thank all EMS and the Seaville Fire dept for the speedy work. They looked like they have had excellent training, and applied it well to this situation.
The teamwork by both was superb.

Also, I was on scene watching, Marmora's fire dept only helped clean up, they were not there for the extrication.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 1:29pm

I dont think he looks suspicious, I think he looks like he's about to cry.
Also, contrary to popular belief, he was headed TO work. He was headed East(south) bound-towards the parkway. I don't think an officer with any brain would go to work drunk.
You all look for reasons to throw this young officer under the bus and ruin his career.
I highly doubt any of you would like your career, what you are pursuing in life to be ended by an accident. Get lives, stop trying to put blame where its not supposed to go.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 12:49pm

it is the father

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 12:38pm

I dont know but the officer looks very suspicious. If you were the driver, I am 100% sure that they would accuse you and do a breathalizer. He looks flushed, guilty, scared, and almost like the cat who ate the canary. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Before you all start coddling the police there in NW, let's remember that some have been busted for dirty urine, drug possession, and other violations. They are quick to get you going 31 in a 25mph zone or waiting for you to leave the bar district. Meanwhile, on any given night, I have served or partied with a couple of them. Altar boys and girls...NOT!!!

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 12:29pm

I think the point is that cops get away with what ever the PBA cards are out there. Thats no fair to the rest of us that are not friends or related to a cop. Everyone should be treated equal.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 12:22pm

Way to go Herald.. You posted another story that is only half true. First of all, thank god the children are ok. Second of all the man in the picture is not the childrens father and of course you post a picture that makes it look like the man is pointing a finger to the officer as if it were his fault that the children ran out in front of him. If you truly spoke to the children's family, you would have learned that the officer did everything in his power to stop from a respectable speed. He is not superhuman. If he were speeding she probably would have been killed from other injuries. The family, if you really spoke to them, saw the whole thing and even said it was not his fault. I know this because i spoke with the family myself. Maybe you should do yourself and the officer a favor and speak to the family and repost the story with honesty instead of trying to ruin the police officers reputation. Shame on you!!!

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 12:17pm

If some people in Cape May County knew how to read, they would have seen the officers name in the article. The officer is not to blame. Lets call it exactly what it is, an accident. This could've easily happened to any one of us.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 11:03am

Wow, with the new information you must feel pretty smart. You all but accuse the guy of driving drunk, then it comes out that the kids were at fault. That was a classy post.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 11:00am

10 & 13 year old children shouldn't be crossing busy state highways, especially not after a holiday weekend with some of the highest traffic volume of the year. It is reasonably foreseeable to think that letting your kids run across a road like that would result in an accident. It should serve as a lesson learned to the kids & parent(s). Hopefully they will make a full recovery.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 10:37am

The alert driver always will slow and be prepared to stop when children are in the vicinity. They usually don't think so we adults have to . Judging from the father's stance, he doesn't agree that the accident was unpreventable.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 9:48am

Why would the parents let their children cross busy Route 50 on a holiday weekend? This young police officer did not have the power to know they would walk out in front of his vehicle. God bless all who were involved.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 9:44am

Did ANYONE read where it said the witnesses said it was a result of the actions of the kids? I am not being unsympathetic, but this is parenting 101. Tell your kids to not run into the streets.

The officer here won a bad lottery. Clearly, not his fault. Everyone here loses.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 9:42am

I also just read were it states that after several witness statements it was the fault of the children! Now how can anyone turn around several witness statements & I am sure there were plenty on a well traveled road on a holiday weekend and make it anything other than what it is! After reading some of the other commentary above I am shocked that things would be supposedly said by Art who is a "christian". If indeed he really said this that is not the Christian way.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 9:40am

Terrible accident but the kids are at fault for not looking before they crossed the street. That's right all you cop-haters- the kids were at fault. Also, in regards to the picture above showing the father of the kids confronting the officer, where exactly was he when his 10 and 13 year olds were crossing Route 50?

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 9:38am

The public has right to know alot of things and yes this is one of them. BUT the point remains that this was an ACCIDENT, it does not matter who is was! It is obvious from the picture the young man looks upset. Yes, he may be a police officer however they have accidents too. It is my understanding from misc. reports that the children ran into traffic to check on a friend who was throwing up on the side of the road... now did they look both ways? Why not get your friend out of the roadway! We were always taught as children to stay out of the road for reasons just like this! Lets not turn this into a cop bashing forum but stick to the facts at hand. My best goes out to everyone involved.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 9:20am

I am sure he was not drinking and driving. Come on people get a life just because he is a cop does not mean you have to pass judgement unless you know what happened.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 9:18am

But if it was any other person then the name would be listed. As usual like when public officials have caused an accident or been busted for driving under the influence, the name is hidden.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 9:17am

He is an officer. He tried to stop his truck. Not a word in this article says that he was drinking, he had just gotten off duty. And he was following the law, it never said he was speeding. God bless the children got hit and i hope the make a full recovery but they were in the wrong. My parents, one being a police officer, always taught me to look both ways before i cross. This police officer has my up most respect. Realize just what he is going through, he might save your life one day!

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 8:22am

This accident has nothing to do with the fact that the driver was an off duty police officer and I am confident that the State Police are conducting the accident properly. Yes, the accident is tragic, but it seems it could have been worse. Don't waste time and energy trying to point the finger and place blame, instead, keep the girl and her family in your prayers and hope for a speedy recovery from her injuries.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 8:08am

This is what I love about our society today. EVERYONE is so fast to pass judgement and blame onto others and relieve accountability for themselves. The children were crossing the road, not at an intersection or designated crosswalk. There are no facts the driver was speeding, under the influence or acting carelessly. It was an accident, where, unfortunately the children are at fault. Where were the parents????? Who would let their young children play or be near a heavily travelled road on a major holiday anyway....If anyone should be accountable hold the parents for not supervising their pre-teen daughter.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 7:58am

All I ask is that it be reviewed as if he was any other citizen

Was he given an alcohol test?

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 7:14am

iN RESPONSE TO WHAT IS WRITTEN ABOUT "THE PUBLIC HAVING THE RIGHT TO KNOW" , MAYBE THE PUBLIC SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW THAT YOU HAVE AN AXE TO GRIND AGAINST THE POLICE BESIDES HAVING A SMALL BRAIN AND THAT YOU ARE ONLY CAPABLE OF NEGATIVE BLOGS. THANK GOD IT WAS A COP; YOU PROBABLY WOULD HAVE KILLED THE KID!!!!!

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 6:41am

The point is that is was most likely some drunken -hungover shoobie puking up his 3 days worth of beer- AT FAULT. Not the poor little kids and certainly not the officer.
How many other accidents did a "vacationer" cause this weekend? They come here and leave their brains back at home. I never left my property all weekend- it is the only method of keeping safe on the roads once they arrive. Cape May County would do well do run a 'drive safe' campaign in Penna all through next winter.

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 6:14am

How is it the parents allowed these 2 kids to cross route 50 on one of the busiest traffic days of the year? If it was so important for these kids to get to the other side of route 50 then why weren't they accompanied across the roadway?

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 4:59am

What would the cops pals do exactly? If a child enters the roadway three feet from a moving vehicle it is impossible to stop in time at any speed. Its a shame yes, but this has nothing to do with a cop being protected by other law enforcement friends. Don't use a tragic incident as an excuse to scapegoat law enforcement. Shame on you.