The officer is back home and recovering following a head-on crash involving an intoxicated driver while on duty late Wednesday night, according to authorities.
The collision, which left the officer with injuries requiring hospital treatment, serves as a "stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving," police said. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
Photos from the scene highlight the severity of the crash, which police say could have had a far worse outcome.
“As we approach the holidays, we want to remind everyone to ALWAYS designate a sober driver or find a sober ride home,” police stated in a public safety message following the crash.
Authorities are emphasizing the importance of staying safe on the roadways—not only for drivers but also for first responders working to keep communities safe.
“Never drive impaired or distracted,” police said.
This incident comes as law enforcement increases patrols and awareness campaigns ahead of the holiday season, a time historically linked to spikes in impaired driving incidents.
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