Reflections from a Candlelight Remembrance Vigil

From time to time I take the opportunity to use our blog to share some thoughts, often introspective, about the job of a law enforcement officer. Such a posting is appropriate for this Sunday morning.

My wife and I were blessed this week with the opportunity to attend the recent Candlelight Remembrance Vigil hosted by the Polk County chapter of MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving. This annual event, held ever December, allows family and friends of victims of drunk driving crashes to come together and remember their loved ones during the holiday season. It is a remembrance of lives tragically lost from a senseless violent crime.

Law enforcement agencies are always in attendance of these vigils. We go to honor the victims and offer support to the families left grasping to understand why their loved one had to die at the hands of a drunk driver. Though the investigation may be over and the court case concluded, we still feel connected with the families and believe joining them at vigils is one way of saying we remember your loved ones, too.

Cops are fairly tough on the outside, often hiding our emotions from others as a way of dealing with the stress of our jobs. Having said that, you may notice misty eyes if you gaze at the officers attending a vigil and even catch a glimpse of a tear streaking down a cheek. And if you look deeper into our eyes, you will see the resolve each officer has to do everything possible to prevent another similar tragedy from impacting one more family in Polk County.

That is why law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols this holiday season looking for impaired drivers. Drivers in Lakeland should know we have DUI Enforcement Officers working every night in an effort to detect and arrest drunk drivers. Extra patrols are planned for the remainder of the month, including a comprehensive DUI Saturation Patrol on Friday, December 21, 2007. You can read the entire media release here as well.

We remain committed to delivering on a promise "Over the Limit. Under Arrest." It's the least we can do for the victims and their families.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere