ISP joins DUI emphasis patrol to honor fallen trooper
Published at
MERIDIAN — More law enforcement will be on the roads Friday to honor a fallen trooper and keep the roads safe.
Idaho State Police is teaming up with Washington State Patrol in the DUI emphasis patrol, One More Stop.
On March 2, 2024, WSP Trooper Christopher Gadd lost his life after being struck by an impaired driver on Interstate 5 near Marysville, Washington. Before the crash, Gadd messaged his team that he would join them for a break after completing “one more stop.”
This Friday, WSP and law enforcement agencies across Washington will patrol to remember Gadd’s commitment to public safety.
“Trooper Gadd was a fine young man with a big heart and passion to serve the community – a true example of the best of us,” said WSP Chief John Batiste. “He made the ultimate sacrifice while working to make our roads a safer place. With this emphasis, we honor his memory by continuing his efforts to protect the community he dedicated his life to.”
ISP is joining WSP by partnering with local law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho. In addition to usual patrol troopers, the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety will fund troopers, city officers, and deputies to patrol the road to target unsafe drivers.
“Trooper Gadd’s dedication to serving his community resonates deeply with all of us in law enforcement,” said Lt. Col. Fritz Zweigart, ISP Director of Operations. “Joining the One More Stop patrol is an opportunity to honor Trooper Gadd and a reminder of the importance of our mission – making sure every driver makes it home safely. Our troopers have a difficult job, but it’s a job we all believe in, and it’s one that significantly impacts our communities.”
ISP encourages the public to find designated drivers after drinking and always to wear seatbelts when traveling on the roads.
“We have a zero tolerance for DUI drivers, and a lot of the public don’t realize that buzzed driving is drunk driving,” said ISP Capt. Chris Weadick. “They also don’t realize that there are a number of legal prescription drugs that cause impairment, and we’re seeing a lot of prescription DUIs and illegal drug DUIs.”
To report a dangerous driver, call *ISP or *477.