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Drunk-Driving Crash Survivor Thanks Officers For Their Service

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A survivor of a drunk driving crash honored the people who bring reckless drivers, like the one who killed her sister, to justice in an award ceremony at Miami-Dade Police Headquarters Thursday.

Bree Ann Camacho shared her story with the room full of officers.

"Somebody chose to get behind the wheel while drunk" she said.

That choice has forever changed Bree Ann's life.

She was in her father's van three years ago when a drunk driver plowed through the south Dade busway at speeds topping 100 miles per hour.

Sandor Guillen's car collided with the van Bree Ann and her sister were in.

Guillen fled the scene.

"Guess who caught him? You guys," Bree Ann said while acknowledging several Miami-Dade cops.

One by one, the officers were recognized for their commitment to the mission of Mother's Against Drunk Driving.

"A tragedy in our community is a tragedy for all of us," said Miami-Dade Police Director J.D. Patterson. "It's the responsibility of all of us to do something about it."

Kaely Camacho 625-2
Kaely Camacho (Source: Camacho Family)

Kaely Camacho did not survive the crash.

She would have turned 17 years old next Monday.

As the holiday weekend approaches, MADD reminds drivers to not get behind the wheel if you've consumed alcohol.

"Fourth of July weekend is a dangerous weekend on the road," said MADD Victim Advocate Sally Matson. "But there are ride sharing apps now that are easy to use right on your phone."

For those who break the law, know that the men and women honored Thursday will be watching with stepped-up enforcement throughout the county.

"They were at every court hearing," said Camacho. "That strength everyone says we have, it's because of them."

The local chapter of MADD is already preparing for its next major fundraiser and awareness event. The annual MADD Walk and Dash is scheduled for next January at Tropical Park.

Bree Ann said she is collecting canned goods and will be serving dinner at Camillus House Monday night in honor of her sister. She described it as a birthday dinner for her Kaely.

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