Greetings! I want to take some time in this message to address some concerns and rumors that have been circulating around regarding a DWI enforcement project that occurred August 20th & 21st.
Apparently there are a few citizens who are unhappy with the enforcement effort that took place during that night. As with anything, rumors have started accusations have been made and those few people are upset. So with this message I would like to set things straight.
So, lets start with the rumors and accusations. There have been rumors and accusations that my office has it out for the Ernte Fest celebration, the Lion's Club, and the Village of Freistatt. It is also rumored that my office conducted these details to specifically target those organizations. Well, let me say, there could be nothing further from the truth.
Neither I personally, or my office has it out for any of the above mentioned organizations. Ernte Fest has been a celebration for many years in Lawrence County and has become tradition. People from all over the United States come to Freistatt for this festival and have a good time. They can enjoy the music, food, games, and yes even drink alcohol if they so choose. I have no reason to want to "shut it down" as some have said. Do I drink? No, but that is my personal choice based on my religious beliefs.
As for the Lion's Clubs that participate and work the Ernte Fest, I am well aware of the service to their communities that this organization provides. They are well respected people who want to give back to their community and serve those around them. Why would I be opposed to them?
And as for the Village of Freistatt, it is my duty to serve and protect them as it is with any other community in Lawrence County. That is my duty as Sheriff and as a citizen.
I have heard through third parties that my deputies stopped anywhere between 2000 and 3000 cars those night and harassed innocent people. That we were hiding in the shadows just waiting to pounce on everyone that left the festival and keep people from ever coming back.
So now I am going to start with the explainations and tell you what really happened in hopes that this will get to everyone and settle down the rumors, calm down the upset, and assure the citizens of the County that all is well.
For starters, August 20, 2010 is the start of the Nationwide, yes, Nationwide campaign to combat drinking and driving. This wasn't specific to Lawrence County or even Missouri, it was a Nationwide campaign that lasts until September 6, 2010. As part of that campaign, the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration along with the Missouri Department of Transportation ask law enforcement agencies through the nation to have combined efforts to reduce injuries and fatalities that are caused by drinking and driving. That's exactly what we did.
During those enforcements, 462 cars were checked through one DWI checkpoint, 84 cars were checked at another. Less than 50 cars were stopped by deputies during saturation patrols. Not only were there Lawrence County Deputies, the Missouri State Highway Patrol had no less than 5 officers working each night to assist in DWI detection. The Monett Police Department also conducted a special detail and officers from all over Southwest Missouri particiapated in our DWI checkpoints as members of the Southwest Missouri DWI Task Force. Mothers Against Drunk Driving also had a large presence Saturday night.
Because of those efforts, 21 persons were arrested for suspicion of Driving While Intoxicated. Yes 21. Not to mention the three persons who were arrested for outstanding warrants and the one arrest for a drug violation. And yes, there were several summons issued as well. Twenty one people were removed from roadways in Lawrence County who were intoxicated. Twenty one people who put not only their lives at risk but yours and your families. Anybody who traveled the roadways those nights could have been impacted by a single drunk driver.
I could go on and on with stats but this message is already long enough. The point is, I do not have anything against, Freistatt, the Lion's Club, or Ernte Fest. What I am against is those who make the very stupid choice of getting behind the wheel and operating a motor vehicle while they are intoxicated.
Believe it or not, I wish we had not made any arrests those nights. We don't want to take people to jail for DWI's. Our primary goal is to prevent people from drinking and driving. To stop them before they even get that far. The purpose of seeing so many law enforcement personnel those nights was to provide a visible deterrent for those thinking they may wish to drive drunk. We wanted people to see us to they would have a designated driver or sleep it off. But we also wanted to send a message...If you Drink and Drive, You Lose. You will go to jail. You will have consequences.
For those who were unhappy that they were arrested, I have but one thing to say to them. Next time, don't drink and drive in Lawrence County. For those who are unhappy that we conducted enforcement operations and feel that we are wasting our time, I can get you a long list of references of people who say we aren't. The fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters of those who have lost a love one from a drunk driver will argue the point.
One last rumor that I haven't addressed is that we spent tens of thousands of dollars those nights. The total for both nights for Lawrence County deputies was just under $5,000.00. Money well spent in my opinion. Those dollars were awarded in multiple grants and other monies were used from the Sheriff's Office budget. No additional burden was put on taxpayers.
In closing, for ANYONE who has questions or concerns, complaints or comments, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to address them. Whether it is one, ten, twenty or fifty people, I will address those concerns. And again, I want to stress I have no conflict with any of the organizations that I have mentioned. My goal is simple. To make this a safer place to be and I feel through these efforts, that is exactly what I have done.
Stay safe.
