It is that time again this year where we need to bring as much awareness to this epidemic as we can. I am a victim /survivor from January 6, 1978. I was 7 years old and was in a truck with my mother and her boyfriend at the time. We were driving on Hwy 60 near Turkey Creek Rd. We were stopped waiting to turn and my mom's boyfriend decided to turn in front of a vehicle coming westbound on hwy 60. We were struck by a young man that was impaired. If that was not bad enough that he was impaired, but my mother’s boyfriend was also impaired and was intoxicated on many occasions. He put our lives in danger many times, but as a 7 year old in those days that was something you put up with.
After the truck was t-boned, I was thrown from the vehicle and somehow ended up under the vehicle trapped. At that point the battery was cracked and acid started to leak. This was dripping on the right side of my face for the most part. I have a few other scars on my arm and back. This caused a long road not only physical, but emotionally also. I was in the hospital for 2 months going through numerous surgeries. Once I healed well enough for doctors, I was released, and eventually went back to school. That is where the bullying began. I had to wear a mask to help smooth the scar out for future surgeries. It was a long, hurtful road with the name calling, fighting and other things until I was old enough where it no longer bothered to me or should I say "got use to" all of the staring and name calling.
I never considered myself a victim because I survived and I can function pretty well in society. Fast forward to 1995 when I became a member of the finest police department in the country (Tampa Police Department). I spent most of my career on patrol doing DUI's but not as many as the designated squad. I then was able to have the chance to supervise the DUI unit from 2016 to 2018 and have some of the most passionate people working for me towards this epidemic. That is where I realized that I was a victim and wanted to be more involved with making this epidemic disappear. I began conducting education and awareness within the high schools, targeting the younger generation. I have retired and will behelping the department and MADD as a volunteer to educate our next generation. From there, who knows where GOD will take me. This was all a part of his plan to make me a better man and to do everything for his glory.
In closing, I would love you to register to join my team to walk or just support me with donations to this great cause. God Bless this event and the people that are participating. Bless the Law Enforcement that will be assisting taking impaired drivers off the street.
"Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God!" Matthew 5:9
MADD supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local MADD victim advocates and our 24-Hour Victim Helpline 1-877-MADD-HELP. Learn more at madd.org.