Three local law enforcement officers were recognized for their efforts in preventing drunk driving and drug enforcement.
They were James Weiken, formerly an officer with the California Police Department and now a deputy with the Moniteau County Sheriff's department; Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Blake Dettenwanger, and Moniteau County Sheriff's Deputy Wayne Cleveland.
Heroes for Heroes honored 30 officers and deputies Oct. 4 at the St. Martins Knights of Columbus.
The Central Missouri MADD chapter, led by California-native and chapter president Robbie Pace-Courtright, organized the recognition three years ago.
Pace-Courtright and her brother, Robert Pace, host the event in memorial to their brother, Duane David Pace, a Missouri Department of Transportation worker killed by a drunk driver May 13, 2002.
"MADD understands that law enforcement jobs are not easy," Pace-Courtright said in a letter. "When it comes to impaired driving issues, especially, they are the first to be scrutinized and the last to be commended. What many tend to forget is that they are the first responders to these horrific crashes; they are the ones making the knock on the doors and notifying families that their loved ones are not coming home."
Lt. Wayne Cleveland was presented with an award as an outstanding officer, for his work in combating the use of illegal drugs while driving, said Moniteau County Sheriff Tony Wheatley.
Deputy James Wiecken was presented with an award for his work in DWI enforcement, while he was with the City of California.
"I am very proud of both of these deputies for what they have accomplished. Their tireless work has no doubt saved lives in this community," Wheatley said.
Dettenwanger works for Troop F in Zone 6, which is Moniteau and Morgan counties. He became a certified crash reconstructionist in 2014, after receiving the patrol's award for DWI enforcement in 2013. Earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College.
"(He) has seen the injuries and damage caused by intoxicated drivers and he understands the importance of removing them from the roadways," said Sgt. D.R. Barbour. "He conducts comprehensive investigations, and his arrest reports are detailed."
As a crash reconstructionist, Dettenwanger thoroughly investigates complex crashes. Thorough, complete investigations and reports are the key to successful prosecution of intoxicated drivers, Barbour said.
"Impaired driving is a major threat to public safety nationwide. No one wants to be woken up in the middle of the night to be told their loved one was killed by a drunk driver," Dettenwanger said. "When an impairment related crash occurs, it doesn't just effect the drivers involved, but their families and friends. I feel that every intoxicated driver removed from the roadway is a possible life saved.
"To anyone reading this please do not drink and drive. You may not be caught today, or tomorrow, but if you continue to drive impaired, eventually you will be arrested."
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