September banquet to honor police efforts to curb drunk driving

Virginia police do everything they can to patrol the roads and arrest drunk drivers. These efforts have no doubt saved many lives by getting potentially dangerous drivers off our streets and freeways. In this respect, it’s always pleasant to see hard-working Virginia law enforcement officers receiving recognition for their good works.

Forty law enforcement officers from Southwest Virginia will be honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) on Sept. 14 in a special recognition banquet. The officers are from Norton City, Wise County and Dickenson County.

This year’s ceremonies will be held in memory of guitarist Thomas Estep, who died last New Year’s Day in a drunk driving accident. The guitarist’s former band member, Kaitlyn Baker, will be performing in memory of the man who was fatally struck by a drunk driver head-on, after the intoxicated driver crossed the centerline of traffic. The driver was later convicted of aggravated involuntary manslaughter and DUI.

According to Baker, “Thomas meant a lot to everyone he came in contact with…It was so devastating to lose him, especially the way it happened.” Baker’s band members hope that the banquet and their performance will be an excellent way to do something in their loved one’s memory.

Close family members of people who die in drunk driving accidents can pursue financial claims for justice and restitution in court by filing a wrongful death action to hold the drunk driver accountable. In addition to bringing much needed financial compensation to surviving family members, such claims can also be a way for relatives to gain a sense of closure relating to their loved one’s loss.

Source: The Coalfield Progress, “MADD to honor local police officers,” Sep. 04, 2017