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Alexa’s Team Impaired Driving Reduction Partnership

wins Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators

Police Partnership Award

Burnaby, B.C. / May 10, 2012 – The BCAA Road Safety Foundation, the Middelaer family and the Insurance Corporation of B.C. (ICBC) are proud of the national recognition that Alexa’s Team has received.

The R.C.M.P. Lower Mainland District has won this year’s Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) Police Partnership Award for the “Alexa’s Team Impaired Driving Reduction Partnership” lead by Insp. Ted Emanuels, R.C.M.P. Traffic Services Operations Officer, Lower Mainland.

“It is an honour to be able to work with such a visionary,” stated Allan Lamb, President and COO of the BCAA Road Safety Foundation. “I have worked with Inspector Emanuels on many road safety initiatives, but the scope and growth of Alexa’s Team has been truly inspiring.”

The connections and partnerships established via Alexa’s Team are very compelling and broad-based. Most significantly Alexa’s Team has contributed to positive reductions in fatalities and serious injuries serving the vision of making Canada’s roads the safest in the world.

The BCAA Road Safety Foundation and the Middelaer family recently welcomed the Insurance Corporation of B.C. (ICBC) as a partner in Alexa’s Team.

“ICBC congratulates Alexa’s Team on achieving this prestigious national recognition,” said Fiona Temple, ICBC’s director of road safety. “Alexa’s Team shows us that with the dedication and hard work of police officers and partners, we can help keep our roads safe from impaired drivers. We’re committed to this remarkable program that is truly making a difference – we want everyone to get to where they’re going and return home safely.”

On May 17, 2008 at approximately 5:00 p.m. a vehicle left a residential road in Delta, struck two pedestrians, a parked vehicle and finally came to rest on a power pole. One of the pedestrians, 4-year old Alexa Renée Middelaer died of her injuries.  The driver, a 56-year old woman was later convicted of impaired driving causing bodily harm and death.

“Inspector Ted Emanuels is a dedicated man of vision, who knows his members, and understands how motivation and recognition can change behaviour,” said Laurel Middelaer, the mother of Alexa Middelaer, for whom the team was named.

“He realized that a story, albeit a tragic story, can drive change.  Inspector Emanuels is a true bright light, a leader who has brought purpose and change from a loss—our admiration for him is immense,” added Michael Middelaer, Alexa’s father.

The Middelaers are pleased that Emanuels is being recognized for this award, “He is a great leader, but more so, an amazing person. He has made our life a little bit better. Alexa would have loved him.”

Alexa’s Team is a program that recognizes R.C.M.P. and Municipal police officers that make an extraordinary contribution in reducing the number of impaired drivers on the roads of our communities.  Since 2008 the number of team members has grown significantly, from 26 to 355 in 2011 and members have processed more than 32,000 impaired driving charges and penalties.

Alexa’s Team members are recognized at a series of receptions held in Metro Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna and Prince George

Insp. Emanuels accepted the Police Partnership Award at the CCMTA Annual Meeting in Winnipeg.

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About BCAA Road Safety Foundation

The BCAA Road Safety Foundation is a non-profit registered charity working with families, communities and business partners to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes and injuries in B.C. For more information visit www.BCAARoadSafety.com or call 604-298-5107.

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