Pierce County law enforcement will be participating Friday, Dec. 13 in the 11th annual Night of 1,000 Stars statewide DUI emphasis patrol.
Pierce Countys events will be dedicated to the late District Court Judge Tom Farrow of Gig Harbor, an advocate for drunk-driving prevention and enforcement. The public is invited to attend a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. Friday at the Best Western Tacoma Inn, 8726 S. Hosmer. The vigil will be held to remember those killed or seriously injured by impaired drivers.
Anyone who has lost someone due to an impaired driver and would like to have that persons name read at the vigil can contact Sheri Badger deMille, DUI Task Force coordinator, at 253/798-6112. Prior to the vigil, the DUI Task Force will hold an awards program to recognize those who have contributed to the efforts to stop impaired driving and underage drinking and to promote responsible hospitality.
The name of the statewide campaign refers to the more than 1,000 stars or badges that will be on the road that night. During last years statewide emphasis, 270 motorists were arrested for drunk driving, compared to 211 in 2000. In Pierce County, where emphasis patrols are held each weekend between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, 375 people were arrested for impaired driving.
Friday night also marks the beginning of the 19-day Tow to Go campaign in which local tow companies volunteer to tow home the vehicles of drivers who have had too much to drink. Persons wishing a tow home will need to contact one of the participating towing operators in Pierce County: Bills Towing, Burns Towing, Emerald Towing, Engels Towing, Genes Towing, Lakewood Towing, Liberty Towing, Puyallup Towing, Tacoma Towing, or Western Towing.
