In the News

Service honours victims of drunk driving
The Times-Journal
November 21, 2009

More than 100 people attended First United Church in St. Thomas on Saturday to pay tribute to victims of impaired driving. It was the third annual candlelight vigil hosted by the St. Thomas chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

The service was a solemn one, starting with a processional led by piper Jim Frame, flagbearers and an honour guard consisting of St. Thomas police, firefighters and emergency services personnel.

In his benediction, Rev. Roger Landell said, "The people have gathered, remembered, shared, and prayed. Now may the spirit of this moment bless us with the hope of healing, the love that leads to reconciliation, and the passion that brings about a transformed tomorrow."

The ceremony included with a tribute to Elgin OPP Const. Alan Hack who was killed in an accident earlier this year.

"Although Alan was not killed in an impaired driving crash, MADD St. Thomas is proud to take this opportunity to pay tribute to this 'one-of-a-kind' police officer," said Marie Kean, victim services director for MADD St. Thomas.

She went on to note Hack helped out with MADD events, including attending the Gray Family Memorial Volleyball tournament in the spring. "When he was a little boy he told his mom he wanted to be a police man. When she asked why he said 'so I can get drunk drivers off the road.' He followed his dream. He made it a reality."

Four ceremonial candles were lit for Hack and presented to members of his family who attended Saturday's service. After his tribute, eight symbolic candles representing steps on the road to healing for victims were lit by local dignitaries.

In all, 41 tributes were read aloud, either in memory of people who have died, or were injured in an alcohol-related crash. Included among those were tributes for Mason Berube and Devon Tinus, two young boys who were killed in an alcohol-related crash on March 13, 2009, southwest of London.

Music from singers Sam Taylor, Katie Childs and musicians Justin Maki, Susan McAllister and Mia VanRaes was also featured.