Mothers Against Drunk Driving honors police officers for drunk driving arrests

PRAIRIEVILLE — More than 100 police officers across the state were honored Tuesday afternoon for the unprecedented number of drunken driving arrests they made over the past year.

The 2024 Mothers Against Drunk Driving Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony aimed to honor those who have been arrested for drunk driving at least 25 times in the past 12 months.

“The lives that are saved could be my child’s, yours or someone else’s. We commend them for their hard work,” said Valerie Cox, a victim services specialist with MADD.

One deputy knew the life-changing effects of drunk driving all too well. St. John Parish Deputy Benjamin Teekell shared a heartbreaking story with the audience about the loss of his daughter.

“Driving under the influence puts your life on hold when it affects you,” Teekell said.

In 2018, Teekell was driving in Gonzales with his two daughters, Addisyn, 5, and Ashtyn, 7, when he was struck head-on by a drunk driver. Addisyn did not survive the crash, while Ashtyn was hospitalized for weeks.

“Addisyn’s death has completely turned my life and her sister’s life upside down,” Teekell said.

At Tuesday’s awards ceremony, Teekell shared his story with his colleagues in the hopes that it will motivate them to remain vigilant and keep the streets safe for drunk drivers.

“We just want to have a big impact on people and hopefully prevent anyone from having to go through the pain that I and other victims have gone through,” he said.

On Saturday, October 19th, MADD is hosting a walk at Forest Community Park in Baton Rouge. Click here to register or support the cause.