LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – In honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, local law enforcement came together Sunday for an emotional ceremony.
During the ceremony, those on the front lines of DUI enforcement and those lost to impaired driving were honored.
Ten officers from seven agencies were honored with a unique reminder of what they’re fighting for: to keep more families from losing a loved one to impaired driving.
“We’re doing it with our annual heroes and handcuffs ceremony and that’s where we honor 10 law enforcement officers who excelled in DUI arrests in 2024,” said Executive Director of Stop DUI, Sandy Heverly.
Each officer was presented with a pair of Stop DUI handcuffs – engraved with the name of a fatal DUI victim. Heverly explained these handcuffs are more than just for show.
“It means so much to the victims to know that their loved one’s name is going to be out there working because those police officers are using those handcuffs,” Heverly said.
For Dianisel Ayala, this day is about her father – and every family who’s had to carry on after tragedy.
“It’s been really difficult but thanks to Sandy and events like this, we’ve been able to carry along with it and help other families as well,” Ayala said.
Ayala tells us the moment her family saw her father’s name etched into the handcuffs, it hit hard.
“It was really emotional, especially for my mom it’s a nice way to honor him and his memory,” Ayala said.
For years, families have stood beside officers at this ceremony – each pair of engraved handcuffs a reminder that behind every DUI statistic, there is a name, a life, and a family forever changed.
“I just hope other families don’t go through the same thing that we did,” Ayala said.
This is the 11th year of the Heroes and Handcuffs ceremony, and while it recognizes law enforcement, organizers explained it’s the connection with victims’ families that gives the event meaning.
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