Being a Positive Force in the Community
August was a busy and exciting month for the CACF team, and we hit the ground running.
Dean Cain and Royce Gracie joined law enforcement from around the state when they were asked to be keynote speakers at the Idaho Highway Safety Summit on August 23-25 in Boise, Idaho.
The purpose of SHIFT is to encourage Idahoans to Drive Well by promoting safety and enforcing laws. Topics of the conference included: Distracted Driving, Texting and Speed Enforcement, Impaired Driving, Youth Engagement and Awareness of Dangers, Work Zone Safety, and many other breakouts.
Royce kicked off the event with an open panel question and answer session. He spoke about the importance of officers being mentally fit for duty, as well as being physically fit. His key to success is training and practicing every day until it becomes a habit. He believes that there is a confidence that comes from training and has committed to work with law enforcement units around Idaho and other states to improve training methods and help officers be better prepared to deal with situations that may put them at a disadvantage. Through his work with first responders, he has gained a first-hand knowledge of what law enforcement is all about. When asked what he thought about working with our men and women in blue, his reply was simply, “I’m a fan!” Royce has a healthy respect for what they do in a day and the changes they bring about in a community. His signature Archon Tactical Takedown training classes will be taught throughout the state in cooperation with area law enforcement agencies and sheriff’s offices.
Show me the impossible and I'll prove you wrong.
The team was able to spend time with LEOs from around the state of Idaho, their support staff, the Idaho Highway Safety Team, as well as the family of drunk driving victim, Ryan Allen.
When Ryan was 11 years old, he was riding his bike when a truck stopped abruptly in front of him. Ryan ran into the back of the vehicle as a result. As Ryan was lying on the ground under the truck, the impaired driver proceeded to back up to talk to a friend, running over and crushing Ryan in the process.
His parents, Vern and Pat Allen, testified to Ryan’s struggle from that point on, suffering from traumatic brain injury and being permanently confined to a wheelchair.
Throughout his life, Ryan kept his signature smile and zest for life despite his trials, touching the hearts of many.
In March 2019, tragedy found the family again as their van was struck by yet another impaired driver, cutting Ryan’s life short. It was after that his parents founded the Idaho DUI Coalition in his honor. Their love for the responding officers was touching and profound. Truly, they believe the work officers do impacts the lives of so many.
Our special thanks go to Director Ness, John Tomlinson and team, the Boise State Athletics staff, as well as the staff at the Grove Hotel. Thank you for hosting us at this amazing event.
