Legally I see everyone's point, but it seems as though we're argueing aginst human descency.
If you see someone in need ignore them.
If you neighbors house is on fire, it is really none of your business unless the fire could spread to your house then you should call 911 since you would be personally affected.
If you see a car that has crashed into a river or lake with people trapped inside. Even if you are able to respond to help those inside, even if you have the skillset to rescue those people,it not really your business and you would be interfereing with an official government matter. You may want to call 911, surely one of the persons in the car has a phone It just makes sense that one of them would call 911 being that they are IN the car.. Your call to 911 just may cause a busy signal for someone else in need. Who knows your call to 911 just may cost someone else their life. Yeah we better wait on the professionals.
Yes the guy was legally wrong. Yes if the guy just ignored the rare human need to help someone he would still have his job.
This so much reminds me of the recent case of the life guard that was fired because he saved someone from drowning in an area he was not assigned to.
Yes doing the humane and descent thing isn't always legal. Just as if a child is trapped in a burning house it is not legal to break the window and pull the child out. How many charges is that? 1. Kidnapping 2. Breaking and Entering 3. Assault and if it is a female child you could very well have to register as a Sex offender for life.
Great job guys. Now everyone has even less reason to help in any type of crime or emergency situation.