Giving a face to the dangers of drunk driving, law enforcement officials have dedicated their increased New Year’s enforcement to the memory of couple killed by a drunk driver.“They were the victims of a senseless tragedy,” said Clint Shrum of the Governor’s Highway Safety Office in dedicating the operation in memory of Jesse and Vada Elam. “Since someone decided to be selfish, uncaring and downright senseless, we are here today.”The Elams, both 82 at the time, were killed July 7, 2008 when they were hit in the main intersection in Morrison by a drunk driver while returning from a ball game. The driver, Zachariah Holden, 24, of Pulaski was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the wreck in which he did not even know what county he was in given the height of his intoxication.“That’s why we put a face on this,” said McMinnville Police Chief Bryan Denton in announcing the crackdown which is currently under way and will continue through New Year’s Day.
Officers dedicate DUI crackdown to Elams