Although not very well attended, we feel that the first annual Sheena Blair DUI Prevention Summit was a success. The blessings offered by my dear friends Robert Satiacum and Pastor Bill Wolfson were wonderful, thank you and bless you right back. I STILL choke up telling my story. Carol told HER story for the first time. Her talk explained in detail how Sheena’s killing affected her. It was also the bravest thing I have seen in a LONG time. DAMN I’m proud of her.
Lew Cox from Victims of Violent Crime Services made the point that when your loved one is killed by a car, the effect is the same as if it were by a gun or knife and the sentencing guidelines SHOULD be the same.
Fircrest Police Chief talked about Target Zero Teams and the emphasis patrols responsible for increased DUI arrests. This effort has also had an effect on DUI deaths in our area.
LESA 911 dispatcher Dave Lovrak gave a GREAT presentation about how to make a 911 call. They need you to be calm and tell them where you are and what’s happening. Tory Green, medical Director for the Tacoma Fire Department talked about new equipment and training that helps them save our lives. What to DO, if we encounter a crash scene. Short answer? Do NOT pull the victims from the cars AND take a free first aid/CPR class.
Pierce County prosecutor and his DPA explain the sentencing Guidelines and why SOME alleged perpetrators are arrested and charged sooner than others and the “process”.
Senator Debbie Regala and Representative Laurie Jenkins talked about HB 1789 and how a bill becomes a law. We also discussed how to communicate in an effective manner and engage in the process to affect positive change.
Captain James Pradke from the US Army talked about how DUI is being dealt with on JBLM and the noarmydui.com program. He also said something I took to heart. He believes we civilians AND the US military can work together to solve this problem.
A couple things happened at this event. Although it wasn’t very well attended, elected officials were talking to cops and prosecutors were talking to cops. Questions got asked and answered. New concepts were presented and a lot of networking happened.
We want to thank the wonderful people from Tacoma Trauma Trust for helping us organize this event. We would also like to say a BIG thank you to Multicare for allowing us to use their facility. Also a BIG thank you to KIRO and KCPQ for covering this event. Most of all we would like to thank all of YOU for your love and support.
