Justin T. Anderson, an officer with the Kenbridge Police Department; Virginia State Police Trooper William T. Dean; and Officer D.W. Medlin with the Victoria Police Department deserve high honors and thanks from every person in Lunenburg County.

The Piedmont Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) in Farmville recently honored the law enforcement officers for the efforts in keeping drunk drivers off roadways across the county.

The three men were recognized for their efforts in charging at least five motorists during the calendar year for driving while intoxicated or under the influence.

Anderson saved — at a bare minimum — five lives this year, just as Medlin and Dean did. They saved the lives of the drivers who were allegedly driving after or while drinking alcohol.

These five people could have struck a car transporting members of your family, or your friends. Or those who work for and read this newspaper.

According to MADD, on average, every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash. Two in three people, in their lifetime, will be involved in a drunk driving crash. On average, every day in America, 27 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes.

We offer our highest commendation and thanks to Anderson, Medlin and Dean for their hard work in keeping Lunenburg County safe.