Information
Raising Awareness, Saving Lives, Building a Safer Community
Our Mission & Vision
The mission of the Laramie County DUI Victim Impact Panel Council is to increase awareness of the tragic consequences of driving under the influence. We achieve this through:
Victim Impact Panels
presented to schools, driver education classes, community organizations, and the general public, including those ordered to attend by the Court.
Support For Organizations And Individuals
dedicated to preventing driving under the influence by collaborating on initiatives, sharing resources, and providing a platform for voices impacted by DUI to be heard.
Public Service Announcements
that highlight the dangers of DUI, share real stories from victims and their families, and provide information on preventing drunk driving. These announcements aim to reach a broad audience through various media and local events, to educate and influence behavior change in our community.
![Cuffing-a-criminal-507065979 Handcuffing a young man](http://duivictimimpactpanel.zipsites7b.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/595/2024/05/Cuffing-a-criminal-507065979.jpg)
Our History
In 1993, Shirley Martinez was hired as the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Cheyenne Police Department, bringing her experience from Rawlins, Wyoming, where she helped start one of the first two Victim Impact Panels in the state. In response to two fatal DUI crashes involving young people, she collaborated with the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office and Pathfinders to form the first DUI Victim Impact Panel in Cheyenne. Since its first meeting on June 26, 1995, the panel has been held bi-monthly and continues to educate DUI offenders on the devastating impact of drunk driving through powerful testimonials from affected families. Shirley’s dedication and the courageous stories shared by victims have undoubtedly contributed to saving many lives.
Attendee Comments
Board Members
Don Heiduck
On the board since 2008
John Pederson
Laura Griffith
Donna Black
Assisting with the panel since the first meeting in 1995
Members at Large
Heather Heiduck
Pam Allsop
Salli Perryman
A Message from Our Founder
those in the audience will make a better choice when faced with the decision of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after they have been drinking. I have no doubt that the brave individuals who have shared their painful experiences and the many individuals it takes to keep the panel active after all these years have saved many lives.”
Sincerely,
Shirley Martinez