Clifton Braunwalder Memorial Checkpoint

Norbert Braunwalder enjoyed watching his only son, Clifton, challenge himself during Boy Scout adventurous outings and while doing woodworking projects together.

But since Clifton, 11, was killed by an impaired driver three years ago, Braunwalder watches Clifton’s Boy Scout friends prepare to get their driver’s licenses and graduate from high school.

“These are things I won’t get to enjoy,” Braunwalder said, adding he does take comfort in his life with his wife, Sondra, and his daughters’ achievements.

In Clifton’s memory, Sheriff’s Cpl. Mark Mack said his life will be remembered Friday when law enforcement officers throughout Rutherford County participate in the third annual Clifton Braunwalder Memorial Checkpoint on Old Nashville Highway.

The checkpoint will be from 10 p.m. to midnight on Old Nashville Highway near Rocky Fork Road.

The sobriety checkpoint will be to raise awareness to the importance of safe driving habits and to remove impaired drivers from the roadways, Mack said. Officers will focus on impaired driving enforcement throughout the weekend.

Braunwalder and his wife are not opposed to people drinking alcoholic beverages but challenged people who drink to plan ahead such as getting a designated driver or taking a cab.

“Once people drink, they’ve lost their reasoning,” Braunwalder said, adding even one or two drinks affect the person’s sobriety.

He stepped in and drove people home after they’ve been drinking.

“My message is to make a plan ahead of time,” Braunwalder said. “Let someone else know the plan and step in. Friends of people who drink, step in and safe a life and say, ‘I’m not going to let you drive.’ The life we save might be the life of the drinking driver.”