Alexa's Bus

Our family knows that Police officers are a very special breed.  We entrust them to keep us safe – and inherently it is this very basic duty and calling that motivates them every day.  Police officers have a huge responsibility – and it is one they both do well and take very seriously.

We also understand that being a Police officer – especially one who is charged with Road Safety and Impaired Driving enforcement -  is an extremely difficult and at times thankless job.  These officers manage stressful situations on a regular basis that most of us will never (thankfully) experience in their lifetime.  Also – they are held to an incredibly high standard – which while a good thing, can clearly be taxing on any individual.

In late 2008 – as we started our quest for fewer impaired driving related fatalities in our province  – we were shown an opportunity and need to increase the quality and quantity of impaired driving related enforcement in BC.  Our analysis of the numbers at the time showed that police were relying heavily on MVA section 215 24 hour roadside suspensions to keep our roads safe.  While we understand the rationale behind their actions, we were concerned about the long term effects this pattern of enforcement would deliver.  In the end, a driver who is criminally impaired when behind the wheel should face the appropriate sanction.

Which brings us to Alexa’s Team.

As a parents and professionals, we believe in the power of goals and  supporting, recognizing and enabling people on their journeys to achieve them.   In that spirit, and in consultation with Road Safety leaders in the BC -  we saw that we could bring positive change if we were to work with police agencies and help them set and measure reasonable impaired driving enforcement goals for their members.

Our dear friend and mentor – RCMP Inspector Ted Emanuels -  also saw this opportunity and came up with a brilliant idea.  We would form ‘Alexa’s Team’.  To become a part of this team, officers would have to successfully lay 10 impaired driving charges over the course of the year.  This was quite a significant goal, and the ‘challenge’ was laid.  And the rest, as they say, is a great story.

In 2008, there were 26 members who became part of Alexa’s Team.  We honoured the officers with a formal event where we gave certificates, pictures of Alexa, and fabulous baseball hats that say ‘Alexa’s Team’.  We recall this event with fondness.  During that first year of our loss, we must admit, that it was hard to feel good deep in our spirit.  But shaking those officers’ hands, and truly thanking these men and women who are trying to make a difference daily, felt very good.   And of course, with this positive experience in our pocket , we knew where we wanted to go.  We wanted more members of Alexa’s Team.

In 2009, we are astounded with the growth of Alexa’s Team.  Initially, we were hoping to double the membership to 52;  but when the final tally was told -  we were so excited to have 177 members of Alexa’s Team for 2009.  Even the organizers were somewhat taken aback with the numbers.   And most importantly – enforcement numbers in the BC began to rise materially – up 20%…and all thanks to the capable and committed  members of Alexa’s Team 2009!

Because Alexa was a child, our organizing team (members of BCAA, ourselves and Ted Emmanuels) thought it would be great to honour Alexa’s Team by holding the ceremonies in schools.   In Spring 2010  we hosted 4 events to recognize the officers across the province.  Glen Lyon Norfolk School hosted the Victoria ceremony for 38 island officers, Ron Brent Elementary School hosted the event in Prince George for 31 Northern officers, Aberdeen Hall hosted the event in Kelowna for 39 Southeast officers, and Southridge School is hosted the event for the  67 Lower Mainland officers.

This year for 2010, Alexa’s Team has 216 members, and we are so pleased that we can continue to acknowledge the wonderful work of men and women who strive to make our roads safe through their enforcement efforts.

Alexa would love these officers, for standing up for what is right, and taking the time to do it well.