It has been seven years since four-year-old Alexa Middelaer of Ladner was killed by an impaired driver.
In the years since her death, Alexa's family has worked to make the province's roads safer. In 2009, the family, in conjunction with the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation, established Alexa's Team to honour police officers for their diligence in removing impaired drivers from the roads.
Last week seven Delta police officers and seven Deas Island RCMP officers had their names added to the Alexa's Team, which has grown to more than 1,600 members.
Two Deas Island officers, Cpl. Tariq Qureshi and Const. Paula Ikavalko, were awarded all-star status, which means each took at least 34 criminally impaired drivers off the road in 2014.
Since 2008, Alexa's Team members have processed more than 66,000 impaired driving offences.
According to government statistics, tougher laws have resulted in a 52 per cent
reduction in alcohol-related [email protected] Alexa's Team 2014 - Delta deaths on B.C. roads, saving an estimated 238 lives. In 2010, the family also unveiled plans for Alexa's Bus, a mobile road safety unit that was launched last October and has been used as a tool in the fight against drinking and driving.
"As a family, we have been pleased to recognize our police officers, these unsung heroes who have made a difference each and every day," said Laurel Middelaer, Alexa's mother. "It has been an honour to be immersed in the Alexa's Team events, and collaborate and plan with the many partners for public safety in our province."
The family, however, has decided to step back and allow others to take up the cause.
"2015 marks the seventh year since Alexa passed, and we thought it time to step to the sidelines, focusing on our family and its healing, thus affording opportunity for others to grab the proverbial torch," said Laurel Middelaer.
Deas Island RCMP: Cpl. Tariq Qureshi
Cpl. Mark Booth
Const. Paula Ikavalko
Const. Dmytro Ivanov
Const. Rob Katic
Const. Tarmi Miskiw
Const. Michelle Larsen
Delta Police: Const. Camerson Wilson
Const. Mandeep Nijjar
Const. Sean Cessford
Const. Jim Ingram
Const. Andy Thompson
Const. Nilo Diguangco
Const. Joshua Lehbauer
