Trooper Kenton Iwaniec TakeOff Memorial Race

Our law firm is a proud sponsor of the Trooper Kenton Iwaniec TakeOff Memorial Race. Started in honor of Trooper Kenton Iwaniec, a Pennsylvania State Trooper who was killed by a drunk driver, the race raises awareness about the seriousness of impaired driving and encourages community support in reducing drunk driving deaths. It takes place every April at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Kenton's alma mater.

All profits from the TakeOff race go toward the purchase of DUI breathalyzers for the Pennsylvania State Police and other law enforcement agencies.

Trooper Kenton Iwaniec's Story

Kenton Iwaniec was the only son raised among three sisters. He loved to fish, hunt, and play sports. He loved to read Tom Clancy books and draw. His father was his best friend, and they always looked forward to spending time together at their family's cabin. His friends called him "the Shepherd" because he was always willing to help anyone who needed him. Kenton's lifelong dream was to be a State Trooper.

Kenton was the type of son you wanted to carry on the family name.The Iwaniec Family

On December 21, 2007, that dream became a reality. Kenton graduated from the State Police Academy and was sworn in as a Pennsylvania State Trooper. Three months later, on the night of March 27, 2008, he completed his shift at the Avondale barracks and started his drive home, going north on Route 41. He made it two miles.

At the same time, a black Chevy Tahoe was traveling south on Route 41. It didn't have its headlights on, and CB radio transmissions were warning motorists that the Tahoe was cutting off other drivers. The driver, who had her 4-year-old son in the back, didn't break or swerve before hitting Trooper Iwaniec's car head-on at 73 miles per hour. Lab results would later show that her blood alcohol content was 0.34 percent, more than four times the legal limit. She mixed the alcohol she consumed with Oxycodone.

Trooper Iwaniec was rushed by helicopter to Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware, but did not survive surgery.

A father won't be able to hunt with his best friend, a mother won't be able to cook her son his favorite meal, three sisters won't be able to take another picture of just 'the kids,' and a fiancé won't be able to marry the man she loves. The Iwaniec Family

The woman driving the Tahoe was charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, and related charges. She was eventually sentenced to 8 ½ to 17 years in prison.

Trooper Iwaniec's family mourns his loss to this day. "[Kenton] lived life with honor and dignity. He had an innate gift of genuine kindness, a radiating love, a contagious energy, and a sincere desire to serve… Our family is now forced to live with a deep emptiness echoing through each of us. Our hearts are broken and they cannot be repaired."

Making a Difference in Kenton's Name

Since Trooper Iwaniec's death, his family has pledged to honor him by fighting for the victims of drunk and drugged driving. They created the Trooper Kenton Iwaniec Memorial Foundation, which hosts a number of events, including the TakeOff Race, to raise money in support of anti-drunk driving efforts. His mother, Debra Iwaniec, is the Foundation's president and acts as a judge in our law firm's "Words to be Heard" College Scholarship Contest , which allows high school students in western and central PA to earn money for college while also fighting drunk and distracted driving.

If you are interested in joining the Iwaniec's efforts to keep Kenton's memory alive while fighting the tragic consequences of driving under the influence, please visit the Trooper Kenton Iwaniec website for more information.

Kenton truly made a difference in this world and will continue to have an impact as we honor him, share his story, and fight for justice for the innocent victims of drunk and drugged driving. The Iwaniec Family

Helping the Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

Our law firm has seen firsthand the ways that drunk driving destroys innocent people's lives. That's why we have created a number of anti-drunk driving initiatives to stop what truly are preventable accidents. However, if you or a loved one has been hurt in a drunk driving accident and have questions, we're available 24/7.