Most people would regard Kenneth M. Freehling, 31, of Winfield Township as a candidate for a jeer. It is Freehling who is facing a number of charges stemming from a drunken-driving incident March 9 during which his blood-alcohol level was nearly 4½ times over Pennsylvania's legal limit for operating a vehicle.

Freehling could have killed himself and/or others. He also was lucky that he didn't die as the result of the quantity of alcohol he had consumed. Individuals with Freehling's blood-alcohol level have been known to suffer respiratory distress and die.

When his blood-alcohol level was tested at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights after his vehicle was stopped about a half-mile from his home, the test produced a reading of nearly 0.35 percent. A blood-alcohol content of 0.08, under state law, is considered intoxication for driving purposes.

But while Freehling certainly rates a jeer for driving while drunk, what sets him apart from many other drunk drivers - and the reason he merits a cheer at this time - is the attitude that he has projected since his arrest. Not only has he thanked the police officer who arrested him for saving his life, but he says, despite having been a heavy drinker, he has not consumed any alcohol since the night of his arrest.

At the time his car was stopped by police, he admitted his drinking problem and told the arresting officer that he wanted to voluntarily admit himself to the detoxification program at Butler Memorial Hospital. He was taken to Butler Memorial after the test at Allegheny Valley was completed, and he says he continues to attend an alcohol treatment program at Irene Stacy Community Mental Health Center.

All of that speaks of a sincere determination to overcome his problem, and as long as that determination continues, he will continue to merit praise.

Meanwhile, other people with drinking problems - especially those who drink and drive - should ponder Freehling's experience in regard to their own lives.

Although he still faces penalties from his drunk-driving incident, Freehling was lucky. Those who have similar problems might not be as fortunate if they don't address their problem soon.