Two RCMP officers who patrol northwestern B.C. highways have been recognized for helping keep impaired drivers off the road.
Const. Derek Nicolai and Const. Philip Crack, both of the West Pacific Regional Traffic Services section based in Terrace, forwarded charges against 40 and 33 drivers, respectively, last year.
They became members of Alexa's Team – named for a young girl who was killed by a drunk driver six years ago – for forwarding at least 12 impaired driving charge recommendations to crown prosecutors or issuing 90-day immediate roadside prohibitions last year.
“Alexa’s Team” was formed in remembrance of Alexa Renée Middelaer from the lower mainland, who lost her life in May 2008, at age four-and-a-half, after being run down by a vehicle driven by an individual suspected of being impaired.
Along with the Middelaer family, the Justice Institute of BC and ICBC honour these officers.
Carole Berner was convicted on two counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm and death, and two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm and death.
Each of the 313 police officers named for the team this year was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition, a baseball cap with the team logo, a photograph of Alexa and a personal correspondence from the Middelaers.