2014 Law Enforcement & Community Recognition Dinner
SACRAMENTO – Individuals, agencies and organizations from across the state were honored Saturday by MADD California for their work and dedication to Eliminate Drunk Driving. The 17th Anniversary of the MADD California Statewide Law Enforcement & Community Recognition Dinner – “Together We Make the Difference”, was held on May 31, 2014, at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento. MADD recognized law enforcement officials, government agencies and community advocates from throughout the state, who have gone beyond the call of duty to combat drunk driving, educate the public on the effects of this violent crime and who have done their part in maintaining safer roadways and communities.
Over 550 people were in attendance from 50 of California’s 58 counties to attend this prestigious gala. Awards are given to individual officers, departments, state park agencies, media, and community partners whose actions and policies are aligned with our mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.
“The officers recognized with the MADD California Hero Award are experts in the field of impaired driving enforcement. They are leaders in the department in arrests, prevention efforts, and training. Over 130 officers were recognized for the efforts over the last year and we believe that all of the officers have certainly saved lives by removing impaired drivers from California’s roads,” said Aaron Wade, MADD California Program Specialist.
Officer Jonathan Ma of the Sonora Police Department. Officer Ma was recognized for his positive impact he had in his community during 2013, by his focus on removing impaired drivers from the streets of Sonora. Officer Ma made 38 impaired driving arrests during 2013.
Unfortunately, Sonora has one of the highest impaired driving accident rates in the State of California for cities with a population of 25,000 or less. In 2011, Sonora was ranked as having the third highest impaired driving accident rate, out of 64 cities, in this category.
The California Statewide Law Enforcement & Community Recognition event is not just an awards ceremony; it is a powerful medium acknowledging the courage and strength of the members of our community who stand up every day to make us safer. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
MADD is a non-profit organization with approximately 2 million members and supporters and 600 affiliates nationwide. MADD’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. To learn more, contact your local MADD affiliate or visit www.madd.org.
Please remember—DUI crashes are not “accidents.”
