In the News

Families of Pie Ladies donate breathalyzer
The Daily News
By Trevor Terfloth
November 25, 2009

Family members of four women killed by an impaired driver want to help prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.

Marion Dawson, Verna Neaves, Bernice Phillips and Jean Ripley died two years ago yesterday.

As a tribute, relatives donated a $1,400 roadside alcohol screening device to the Chatham-Kent Police Service.

The device also features a plaque with the names of the women on it.

"It's the gift that keeps on giving," said Bob Ripley, son of Jean. "It's just a great way to honour our mothers and make sure nobody else makes the same mistake."

The elderly women, known as the Pie Ladies, were travelling home from a church supper on Nov. 24, 2007 when a driver slammed into them on Keil Drive.

Wladyslaw Bilksi was convicted and sentenced to four years in prison in August.

Yesterday's presentation was made at police headquarters.

Ripley said the cost was relatively small to the families, given the potential life-saving benefits.

"Even if it stops one person and pulls them off the road," he said.

Wayne Phillips, son of Bernice, knew from the beginning he wanted to do something.

He originally suggested the families sponsor a RIDE check.

"It formulated in my mind when the trial was on," he said.

However, after they consulted with police and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the families decided on the screening device.

Sgt. Mike Domony said officers get much use out of the devices.

"We kind of agreed it might be the most efficient thing for us to have," he said. "It allows us to go through dozens of drivers every evening. It's an invaluable tool."

Domony said the test takes little time and is convenient for motorists.

Chief Dennis Poole called the donation significant and meaningful. He said the service is serious about cracking down on impaired driving.

"We intend to put one of these in every car we have," he said. "We will do everything in our power to take drunk drivers off the road."

Heather Bakker, co-president of the local MADD chapter, said it was the first time in the municipality that victims' families made such a donation.

"It's nice to see a happy ending to what was otherwise a tragedy," she said. "Hopefully (the device) is used often and successfully."