Feds honor Austin Police for DWI enforcement
Published 8:21 am Wednesday, December 6, 2017
- From left: APD Capt. David McKichan, Scott McConkey of the Office of Traffic Safety, Sgt. Jeff McCormack, and APD Chief Brian Krueger. Photo by Michael Stoll/mike.stoll@austindailyherald.com.
The Austin Police Department received the Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding effort from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Tuesday. The award was given in recognition for the department’s work during the November/December 2016 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” DWI Enforcement Campaign.
Southern Minnesota Law Enforcement Liaison Scott McConkey of the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, who nominated the APD for the national award, presented it to Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger.
“It is an honor to recognize the dedication and commitment demonstrated by the Austin Police Department in what is often a thankless yet vital role in public safety,” McConkey said. “The Austin Police Department is a partner with hundreds of other law enforcement agencies across the state that strive toward zero deaths by focusing on traffic enforcement efforts. I am grateful to present this award to such a committed law enforcement agency; their efforts are truly remarkable and appreciated.”
The APD made 25 DWI arrests during the November/December 2016 “Drive Sober of Get Pulled Over” DWI Enforcement Campaign, up from 22 in 2015.
“The deadly consequences of impaired driving are unacceptable,” said Krueger. “Our officers are committed to the safety of this community, and we will do everything within our power to prevent impaired drivers from doing irreparable harm.”
McConkey also pointed out that the APD has been working to crack down on “drugged driving” by teaching its officers to understand and detect drivers who are impaired by drugs.
Krueger said that no one individual officer is responsible for the department’s successful DWI enforcement.
“It is a team effort,” he said.
McConkey also recognized Sgt. Jeff McCormack with a personalized hockey stick, commemorating McCormack’s “hat trick” three DWI arrests during one 10-hour shift.
“I’ve looked at Sgt. McCormack’s DWI arrest record, and this is the tip of the iceberg,” McConkey said.
The hockey stick is the second one that has been awarded to McCormack.
