STOP-DWI Program Recognizes Twenty-Two Police Law Enforcement Officers for Most DWI Arrests in Suffolk County
(Brentwood, New York-May 19, 2015) – Suffolk County Executive Bellone was joined Tuesday by Legislators Sarah Anker, Kate Browning and Kara Hahn as well as SCPD Chief James Burke and Assistant Deputy County Executive Tim Sini to honor 22 Suffolk County Law Enforcement Officers for making the most DWI arrests in Suffolk County. The prestigious ceremony, held at the Suffolk County Police Academy, honored all the officers and awarded one sheriff with the Top Cop award after making 143 arrests this year.
“These officers have saved hundreds of lives by making DWI a priority and arresting those individuals who make the irresponsible decision to drink and drive,” said County Executive Bellone. “Suffolk County police agencies made over 3,800 arrests in 2014 and more than 14,000 DWI arrests in the past 3 years. Suffolk County will not tolerate drunk driving on our roadways. We remain committed to arresting anyone who chooses to drink and then get behind the wheel of a car, endangering the lives of others.”
In 2014, 45 people were killed in Suffolk County by the reckless behavior of drunk drivers. However, since 2012, Suffolk County has experienced a 25% decline in arrests and a 25% decline in fatalities.
“I’m honored to recognize the brave men and women of law enforcement for their service in getting impaired drivers off our roads and keeping our community safe,” said Legislator Sarah Anker.
“These officers prevent heartbreaking tragedies and save lives. Drunk driving is a pervasive public safety concern in Suffolk County. We are fortunate to have these officers who are so dedicated to making our roadways safer for pedestrians and motorists,” Legislator Kara Hahn said.
The STOP-DWI program—Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated--is a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of alcohol-related traffic fatalities and injuries in New York State. County governments are empowered by state law to develop and implement a yearly plan of action that addresses impaired enforcement, prosecution, probation, rehabilitation, public information and education. In Suffolk County, the program is 100% supported by the fines that are collected from individuals that are convicted of alcohol and/or drug related traffic infractions.
“Having lost a friend to a drunk driver 16 years ago, leaving her husband and 2 school aged daughters, without a wife and mother, they have missed out on so much of their mothers involvement in their lives,” Legislator Kate Browning said. “I would like to congratulate and thank Police Officers who were recognized today for their outstanding work for keeping our roads safe from individuals who drive while impaired under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
Officers who received recognition at Tuesday’s ceremony include: