I recently traveled to Tallahassee, Florida to talk with legislators and testify in support of their interlock bill. I was so uplifted by our MADD family during the visit that I came home energized.
I want to tell you about Frank Harris, MADD’s State Legislative Affairs Manager. He organized the entire day, setting up the appointments and directing us to whomever we needed to speak. When I am around him I am in awe, because not only is he is laser focused on the tasks at hand, he passionately believes in the effectiveness of interlocks for saving lives. The amazing thing about Frank is that he does this for every MADD state affiliate working to pass interlock legislation for all convicted drunk drivers.
I want to tell you about Jerry Fifer. He was severely injured by a drunk driver in 2000. Seventeen surgeries later he still struggles with pain in his body. He joined us as we met with Florida legislators. I watched him quietly try to suppress his pain as he climbed the stairs and tirelessly walked the halls of the Capitol. In the last 12 years he has devoted his life and even his career to ending this violent crime. His courage and perseverance is inspiring. On top of that, he maintains a wicked sense of humor and kept all of us smiling as we dealt with our fatigue.
Connie Russell, Jerry Fifer, Kristen Allen, Frank Harris
I want to tell you about Matt’s mom, Connie Russell. Matthew Beard was her only child. He was killed by a drunk driver 5 years ago. Matthew loved scuba diving and was majoring in marine biology at FSU. Since that time she takes Matthew’s story to groups everywhere – to students at FSU, to offenders attending victim impact panels, to Florida’s legislators, and to other groups who invite her to speak. Talk about passion! She has dedicated herself to spreading the message that the outcome of drunk driving can be a horror no one wants to endure. She is persistent in her quest to erase drunk driving. I could truly see Matt’s light shining through her as we spent the day together.
I want to tell you about Kristen Allen, MADD Florida’s Victim Services Manager. I can’t help but smile each time I think of her. She is one of the kindest individuals I have ever met. She always just quietly does what she thinks needs to be done – which is consistently going the extra mile. As a victim advocate, she is supreme. As a friend, one can have no better. Legislators and their staff listened as she spoke, because she shared powerful stories of people she had supported.
I want to tell you about Dr. Richard Roth. He has dedicated the past few years following his retirement as a physics professor to researching the effects of ignition interlocks. He volunteers his personal time to educate legislators around the country on the benefits of interlocks for all convicted offenders. His wealth of knowledge along with Jerry’s and Connie’s personal stories had a one-two punch on the listener.
I want to tell you about Florida State University Police Department. Following our day with the legislators, Major Jim Russell, Deputy Chief of FSUPD, invited us to visit with the officers. They are committed in their work to protect us from drunk drivers. Spending time with them was an uplifting conclusion to an already enriching day. Major Russell and Connie happened to fall in love when working together after Matt’s death. They are now married!
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| Jerry Fifer, Connie Russell, Maj. Russell, Jan Withers, Dr. Roth | Florida State University Police Department |
These folks are relentless in their pursuit of a future where drunk driving is a footnote in our history books. Their dedication is clear – they will not stop until that goal is obtained.
We will not stop. We will never give up. We come together with one goal. We walk arm-in-arm to eliminate drunk driving. Together we will win.
Submitted by Office To Let Leeds at 06:09 AM on March 18, 2013
Submitted by Bonnie at 01:21 PM on February 11, 2012