Target Zero: Honoring law enforcement’s battle against impaired driving at Night of 1000 Stars

Law enforcement officers and community leaders met Friday night to recognize the ongoing battle to make our roadways safer with the Night of 1000 Stars celebration presented by Target Zero

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

It was a night to honor those who save lives.

Then many of those honored went about saving more lives.

That is the goal of law enforcement officers who are looking to end drunk and drugged driving.

Friday’s “Night of 1000 Stars” recognized the work done by so many in this challenge as part of the Target Zero campaign. Target Zero has the lofty goal of having zero preventable fatalities on the state’s roadways by 2030. The Night of 1000 Stars also honors the legacy of those who have been killed by drunk drivers, and honor survivors of the crime.

“The 1,000 stars are meant to symbolize the numerous law enforcement officer badges shining brightly and working collectively to keep those driving under the influence … off our streets and making our streets ultimately safer,” said Dennis Flynn, Battle Ground’s police chief. 

The Battle Ground Police Department was the host of this year’s annual gathering for 1,000 Stars, and this year’s event took place at Mannahouse Church in east Vancouver.

“What these men and women go out to do is very, very personal to me,” Flynn added.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, having recently celebrated its 45th year, received recognition at the event. 

“We stand with law enforcement because we know you are the ones out on the roads, preventing crashes, saving lives, and dealing with the aftermath of impaired driving long after the headlines fade,” said Ashley Bonus of MADD. “We support you because you are the ones who make our mission possible.”

Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle shared a story of her participating in a ridealong years ago with Washington State Patrol. She was in the middle of a chase, tracking down a drunk driver. She vowed to Target Zero and law enforcement that Vancouver, and other cities in Southwest Washington, will always support this cause.

“The ultimate goal of zero preventable fatalities by the year 2030 is aspirational, but you are doing it, and we’re here to help,” McEnerny-Ogle said.

Washington State Patrol, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Battle Ground Police, Ridgefield Police, and Vancouver Police all presented their law enforcement officials with awards. 

The eight honorees from the Washington State Patrol have combined to stop 541 impaired drivers.

“The work our officers do to stop impaired drivers is not easy,” Flynn said. “It’s demanding, and it’s often unseen. Their courage and their dedication save lives. … You make our community safer. You are the reason that countless people make it home every single night.”

Soon after Friday’s ceremony, many of those who were honored went back out on the streets for emphasis patrols, in search of impaired drivers.

Beyond enforcement, Target Zero also recognized achievements in education and engineering.

The Unite Washougal Teens in the Driver’s Seat Team was honored. So, too, was the City of Vancouver’s Complete Streets team.

This year’s honorees for Night of 1000 Stars:

Washington State Patrol — Silverio Candelaria, Chris Corner, Boston Draper, Jared Gearhart, Faith McQueen, Steven Spaude, Benny Taylor, and Jonathan Warner.

Battle Ground Police — Liviu Balaceanu, Jeffrey Cabanting-Rafae, Raymond Figuracion, Braaten King, and Binh Nguyen.

Clark County Sheriff’s Office — Clint Frasier.

Ridgefield Police — Igor Fokin and Jen Leon.

Vancouver Police — Brad Miller and Zachary Rosling.

Public Works/Traffic Engineer award — City of Vancouver Complete Streets Team

Education/Outreach Award — Unite Washougal Teens in the Driver’s Seat Team, and City of Vancouver’s transportation and planning staff led by Maggie Derk and Laurel Priest.

Community Award — MADD.

Political Award — Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle.

Exceptional Achievement Award — Sgt. Eric McCaleb, Vancouver Police.