Who Uses Handicapped Spaces?

I wonder if the Madison Fire companies require a handicapped parking space near any fire that they seek to fight. I'm purposely mentioning both companies because I don't wish to identify the real culprit. I hope that the companies administer the needed rebuke internally.

Today I witnessed a pick-up truck proudly sporting a firefighter's license plate add-on pull into a handicapped slot, hop out like the physically fit specimen we hope all firefighters to be, and calmly walk away to do his shopping in the local super store. But I can't be too harsh on that strong man because I have observed that, on any given moment, as people get in and out of their vehicles at those spaces reserved for truly handicapped people, easily half of their number can move about with no evidence of any handicap (unless it be an inability to read).

It would be most helpful if the special permits were issued on a temporary basis (three years?) with a doctor's certificate required for renewal. If the cheaters want to cheat, at the very least they should be required to pay for a visit to their doctor to renew their selfish ways.

Richard Benken
Madison