Nov 8, 2007 2:11 am US/Eastern
Slain Deputy Transported Inmate Without Any Help
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
Some questions whether a 76-year-old is fit to do the job that slain Deputy Paul Rein performed on a daily basis, and others have questioned BSO's policy on prisoner transport, but some are wondering whether his own kindness might have been his demise. "He was a kind person, and it wouldn't be unlike him to put somebody else's feelings or something in front of his first," said Sgt. Pat Lambert, who is a friend of Rein who worked with him.
Rein was transporting suspect Michael Mazza in a medical transport unit that belongs to Broward County Corrections because he was suffering from ailments. Even though it hasn't been confirmed, police say they are investigating the possibility he may have tried to help Mazza, who perhaps complained that he was in distress.
"That part we're still looking at, I mean, it all happened today," said Sheriff Al Lamberti. "I asked that we do a complete review, from the time he was transported, to the medical condition--that's going to be the secondary part of the investigation," said Lamberti.
That possibility notwithstanding, it is against BSO policy to stop for any reason while transporting inmates. If a prisoner needs help, the deputy is supposed to wait until they get to their destination.
As for Rein's physical condition, both his supervisor and a colleague told CBS4 News that Rein was in excellent physical shape, and age had nothing to do with the situation.
"Paul was in outstanding condition physically," said Colonel James Wimberly with the Department of Corrections. "He had a very active life; it was not an issue. We can't discriminate against folks because of their age."
In a press conference Wimberly pointed out that Rein and all other deputies have to pass a fitness test or else they are not allowed to perform their duties.
Sheriff Al Lamberti said they are yet to investigate exactly what happened inside the van, and whether suspect Michael Mazza complained to Rein of an ailment, causing him to stop and help the prisoner. Mazza is now suspected of murdering Rein.
But one thing all had in mind when talking about Rein was his kindness.
"We administratively placed him in his assignment because we knew he was a caring and conscientious individual, well thought of by staff and inmates alike, and he will be greatly missed," said Wimberly.
Union officials who represent prison transporters say they are reviewing current policy and checking if any changes need to be made.
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