Sincere Thank-You Tradition Blossoms After Arrest

Quick Smiles:

• Kimberly Slavens celebrates ten years of sobriety with an annual thank-you card to Sgt. Brett Lee.
• The two formed a supportive friendship after a life-changing traffic stop in Lebanon, Ohio.
• This year, Slavens was honored with a service medallion for her inspiring journey.

Ten years ago, Kimberly Slavens was arrested for impaired driving in Lebanon, Ohio, sparking a life-changing journey toward recovery and gratitude.

Each year on December 5, she visits the same patrol post to deliver a handwritten card to Sgt. Brett Lee, the officer who made the arrest that helped inspire her transformation.

“I can never thank you enough for the change that you made in my life,” Sgt. Lee read aloud from her heartfelt card, recounting how sobriety allowed Slavens to rebuild her family and life.

After her arrest, Slavens entered rehab within days and began sending thank-you cards to Lee as a symbol of her commitment—an annual tradition that soon grew into a supportive friendship.

Lee became a steady source of encouragement, often motivating Slavens to maintain her sobriety, especially when challenges arose.

“Even when I struggle, I never want to disappoint him,” she shared.

To celebrate her decade of sobriety, Lee honored Slavens with a distinguished service medallion in front of 170 state troopers at an academy ceremony, marking a proud new chapter in her recovery.

Slavens credits her ongoing success to the support she’s received and focuses on one goal each day: “My only job today is to go to bed sober.”

She hopes her story will encourage others facing addiction to seek help and believe in the possibility of positive change.

Lee says witnessing her transformation has been among the most rewarding moments of his career, and both hope their December 5 tradition continues to inspire for years to come.

Stories like this remind us of the power of connection and second chances. Share some gratitude today and help someone smile.

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