MADD Colorado's Youth Volunteers Choose 9/11 to Recognize Lifesaving Efforts of Colorado Law Enforcement Heroes

WESTMINSTER, Colo., Sept. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MADD Colorado, Youth In Action (YIA) and UMADD Members presented 19 awards to outstanding Colorado Law Enforcement Officers dedicated to MADD' s mission at the 2010 MADD Colorado Law Enforcement Recognition Event.

"This is a very special day and event for MADD Colorado," said Emily Tompkins, MADD Colorado State Executive Director, "because not only do we get to recognize the extraordinary efforts of Colorado Law Enforcement who are so deserving, today we do so with the optimism of our youth leaders. What better day to honor the Heroes who put their lives on the line to keep us safe than 9/11."

Nominations were received from law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Colorado. CU Boulder UMADD member and 2009 Miss Teen Colorado, Ashley Delva stated, "This is an amazing opportunity to show law enforcement officers throughout the state of Colorado how appreciative youth and college students are of their time and dedication in keeping our roadways safe!"  Ms. Delva served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event and shared her experience working with law enforcement and the Colorado Department of Transportation to memorialize those lost in crashes and preventing students from making dangerous decisions in regards to impaired driving and underage drinking.

2010 MADD Colorado Law Enforcement Recognition Event Award Recipients

Outstanding Dedication to Elementary School Outreach – Trooper Kelly Rippe, CSP

Outstanding Dedication to High School Outreach – Sgt. Scott Gardner, CSP

Outstanding Dedication to College Outreach – Auraria Police Department

Outstanding School Resource Officer – Officer Tina Schairer, Aspen PD

Outstanding Dedication to Seatbelt Safety – Trooper Lance Sanchez, CSP

Outstanding Team Dedication to MIP Enforcement – Troop 5 B, CSP

Outstanding Dedication to Alcohol Compliance Checks- Inv. Carlene Hoffman, Boulder PD

Outstanding Dedication to Enforcing Underage Impaired Driving Laws – Trooper Cord Maxwell, CSP

Outstanding Dedication to Military Outreach – Officer Bryan Widner – Fountain PD

Outstanding Dedication to Sobriety Check Points – Agent Alan Ma, Lakewood PD

Outstanding Individual Dedication to DUI Enforcement (Metro) – Kenny Anderson, Northglenn PD

Outstanding Individual Dedication to DUI Enforcement (Rural) -  Trooper Garret Reich, CSP

Outstanding Individual Dedication to DUI Enforcement (Mountain) – Officer Ryan Millbern, Vail PD

Outstanding Team Dedication to DUI Enforcement (Metro)- Auraria Police Department DUI Unit

Outstanding Team Dedication to DUI Enforcement (Mountain) – Aspen PD

Outstanding DRE Officer– Trooper Ryan Thornton, CSP

Special Achievement in DUI Enforcement - Officer Robert Kleman, DPD

MADD Hero Award – Trooper Tim Kridel, CSP

Col. Mark V. Trostel Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award – Captain Bruce Sheetz

"Colorado's sharp decline in drug and alcohol-related traffic fatalities would not have been possible without the dedicated law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to prevent senseless tragedies by arresting those who commit the crime of DUI," said Glenn Davis, Manager of Impaired Driving Programs, Colorado Department of Transportation. In Colorado in 2009, there were 158 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities (fatalities in crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 grams per deciliter or greater), down from 176 in 2008 (NHTSA), which is a testament to the men and women of Law Enforcement who were recognized today.

Tompkins pointed out that, "Each year, more than 6,000 youth die from alcohol-related causes (Hingson and Kenkel, 2004). In 2005, 2,035 youth ages 15-20 were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes nationally. Of those, 1,387 youth aged 15-20 died in crashes involving a 15-20 year old alcohol-impaired driver.(NHTSA)" According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Education, in 2007 nearly 9,000 Colorado teens were issued Minor in Possession or Minor in Consumption sanctions, and 286 minors under 18 had a BrAC of greater than .004%. 

With increased enforcement of the 21 minimum drinking age, seat belt and DUI laws, Colorado will continue to see a reduction in preventable deaths and injuries," said Tompkins. "MADD Colorado congratulates all of the recipients of the 2010 Law Enforcement Recognition awards."

"As MADD Colorado's 2010 Statewide Sponsor, we're honored to be a part of this remarkable event to honor the fine men and women of the Colorado law enforcement community," says Darin L. Schanker, founding partner at the law firm of Bachus & Schanker, LLC. "As a personal injury law firm we've seen not only the devastating injuries and trauma that victims of drunk driver crashes suffer, but we've also seen the financial toll due to costly medical expenses and lost wages that can be equally devastating to the victims and their families. We're grateful for the dedicated efforts by our law enforcement officers to prevent underage drinking and keep our roads and communities safer."  

MADD's Mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking.  MADD is a 501 c3 charity with approximately 400 offices and 2 million members and supporters nationwide.  Founded in 1980, MADD has helped save more than 365,000 lives.  Visit www.madd.org, www.youthinaction.org, and/or http://www.revenue.state.co.us/liquor_dir/home.asp for more information.

SOURCE MADD Colorado