Nevada police honor fallen troopers with DUI campaign

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - One year later, Nevada State Police are honoring two troopers killed by a drunk driver — by working to get other impaired drivers off the road.

“This has been a very trying year. It’s also been a remarkably rewarding year. We’re closer as a group than we’ve ever been,” said Nevada State Police Highway Patrol Major Kevin Honea.

On November 30, 2023, Sgt. Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix were responding to a call on the I-15, helping a driver, when they were hit and killed by another driver, who was under the influence.

It was a tragic loss for the NSP family and the families of the fallen troopers.

“We have yet to miss a first day of school. We’ve yet to miss a band recital. Those little things that matter that they don’t have a father to attend,” said Major Honea.

On Saturday, law enforcement agencies across the state teamed up for an impaired driving apprehension campaign, in memory of Sgt. Abbate and Trooper Felix.

“The sole purpose is to identify that impaired driver, and to get them off the road before they crash, killing themselves or somebody else,” said Major Honea. “To save some family the heartache of a chair at the Christmas table that’s empty because of a senseless or unnecessary DUI crash.”

Major Honea said the goal of the DUI apprehension campaign was to save other families from suffering the same loss as the families of the fallen troopers.

A woman spoke on behalf of the Felix family Saturday: “They just wanted to say thank you very much from the bottom of their hearts. They’re so proud of each and every one of you and the fact that this is a statewide effort to honor Michael and Felix.”

Monday, Nevada State Police shared the results of the campaign.

Operation Results Statewide (all agencies)

• Vehicle Stops: 540
• Citations Issued: 255
• Other Arrests: 13
• DUI Arrests: 32

The campaign included Nevada State Police Highway Patrol Division, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, City of Las Vegas Marshals, Clark County School District Police, North Las Vegas PD, Boulder City PD, Reno Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and Carson City Sheriff’s Office.

“This operation was a special Joining Forces campaign funded by the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety,” NSP said. “The Nevada Highway Patrol remains committed to the safety of motorists statewide, enforcing traffic laws on Nevada’s roads 24/7, 365.”

The driver who hit Sgt. Abbate and Trooper Felix was sentenced to 16 to 40 years in prison.

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