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The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute honored 21 police officers for their work in reducing drug-impaired driving.
The officers are a part of the state’s Drug Recognition Expert program, according to an ICJI release.
This program trains officers to recognize drivers who are under the influence of drugs. They are often called to assist with traffic stops with the goal of keeping impaired drivers off the road.
During an awards ceremony at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 18 officers received longevity awards, one officer received a performance award, another officer was recognized with the Officer David Moore DRE of the Year Award and another officer received the Lt. Gary Dudley DRE Instructor of the Year Award.
“These awards stand as a testament to the dedication and expertise of those who work tirelessly to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers,” Devon McDonald, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, said in a news release.
Retired NHL player Stu Grimson spoke at the awards ceremony. Grimson’s father was in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The 2023 DRE of the Year Award, named after fallen Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer David Moore, was presented to Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Casey Lehman. Moore’s mother, Jo Moore, was on hand to help present the award.
Jasper County Sheriff’s Department’s Deputy Heather Hollister was presented with the 2023 DRE Instructor of the Year Award, named to honor the memory of Indiana State Police Lieutenant Gary Dudley.
The DRE Performance Award was presented to Benton County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Paden Clements. The award is given to the officer who performed the most DRE stops in the previous year.
A full list of award winners can be found on the criminal justice institute’s website.
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