The MADD Law Enforcement Recognition Awards event highlights individuals and entities that embrace MADD's mission to end drunk and drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking and other drug use.
Law Enforcement Awards
OUTSTANDING SERVICE – Peace officers nominated for this award made a difference by going above and beyond in DUI enforcement.
Officer Erik Jax (Outstanding Service): In 2024, Officer Erik Jax of the White Earth Police Department demonstrated remarkable commitment to public safety by apprehending and processing 39 DWI offenses. While navigating the demands of patrolling and answering calls of the 1,300+ square-mile White Earth Reservation, at times by himself, Officer Jax consistently prioritized the safety of the community. His dedication to removing impaired drivers from the roadways and his steadfast work ethic make him a worthy candidate for this prestigious recognition.
Sergeant Ryan Zettel (Outstanding Service): In 2024, Sergeant Ryan Zettel of the White Earth Police Department showcased exceptional dedication to public safety by apprehending and processing 49 DWI offenses. Despite the challenges of supervising, patrolling, and responding to calls of the expansive 1,300+ square-mile White Earth Reservation, Sergeant Zettel maintained a strong commitment to keeping the roadways safe. His leadership, diligence, and unwavering focus on removing impaired drivers exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement.
Officer Tim Korinta (Outstanding Service): Officer Korinta had served as the Bemidji Police Department’s TZD/DUI/Traffic Safety Officer from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2024. During this time period, Officer Korinta arrested 232 persons for DUI and stopped over 2,000 vehicles. During this time, Officer Korinta was selected by MN DPS/OTS to attend the 2024 Lifesaver’s Conference in Denver Colorado, completed Drug Recognition Expert certification in Philadelphia PA and has also achieved DRE-Instructor certification in Philadelphia PA in partnership with the MN State Patrol.
Officer Nathanael Peters (Outstanding Service): Officer Peters had a total of 54 DWI’s in 2024, leading the Brainerd Police Department and all other departments in Crow Wing County. Officer Peters strives to provide a safer community by saving lives. How many lives are saved is impossible to calculate due to these drivers being removed from the roadway before causing a life-changing crash. Officer Peters 54 DWI’s are a mix of alcohol and drug impairment.
Officer Bryce Johnson (Outstanding Service): Officer Johnson had a total of 43 DWI’s in 2024, which is the second highest within the Brainerd Police Department and all other departments in Crow Wing County. Officer Johnson is a young officer who has recognized early in his career the importance of alcohol and drug impairment enforcement. Officer Johnson works with his partners and other officers to expand his knowledge of impaired driving to continue to improve his performance and abilities while enforcing impaired driving.
Deputy Kale Karstens (Outstanding Service): In 2024, Deputy Karstens excelled in DWI enforcement for McLeod County. He was responsible for the largest total of DWI arrests by an officer in McLeod County. 58 total DWI arrests (22 alcohol related arrests and 36 drug related arrests). In 2024, he completed 44 DREs related to drug driving arrests. Deputy Karstens has shown true dedication and commitment to DWI enforcement and keeping roads safe.
Officer Chad Streiff (Outstanding Service): Officer Streiff epitomizes the utmost in passion and drive for DWI enforcement and realizes the importance of training up the next group of dedicated enforcers. In addition to training Officers, he provides instruction to youth, their parents and high schoolers on the dangers of impaired driving. In 2024, Officer Streiff made 129 DWI arrests with approximately 30% being drug impairment and completed 5 DRE evaluations.
MADD VISION FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE- These officers were nominated for the Outstanding Service Award but were selected for the MADD VISION due to their exceptional skill, innovation, leadership, and enforcement.
Officer Chase Gallinger (MADD Vision): Officer Gallinger strives to keep the roadways safe, making 179 DUI arrests in 2024, with 136 of the arrests being for drug-impaired driving. As a Field Training Officer, Officer Gallinger trained four Officers in 2024 who collectively made 47 DUI arrests. Officer Gallinger is an SFST instructor who is always willing to assist officers with any questions. Officer Gallinger’s has continually led from the front to ensure that the Rank and File of the Red Lake DPS are moving towards higher standards in traffic safety that he has exemplified.
Trooper Brianna Cline (MADD Vision): In 2024, Trooper Brianna Cline arrested 92 impaired drivers—the most of any east metro trooper in 2024. Beyond enforcement, Trooper Cline has taken on a vital role as a mentor and informal leader for the new troopers in the district. Whether it’s teaching DWI detections skills, guiding troopers thorough challenging situations or events, or leading by example with her professionalism and work ethic, Trooper Cline’s impact extends far beyond her own enforcement efforts. Her contributions exemplify the highest standards of our profession and our agency, and we are grateful for her continued service and leadership.
Trooper Gustavo Culbeaux: In 2024 Trooper Culbeaux removed 222 impaired drivers from Minnesota roadways. This was the 6th consecutive year that Trooper Culbeaux arrested the most impaired drivers of any Trooper in Minnesota, earning him the Eagle Squadron award. In 2024, Trooper Culbeaux arrested 3 impaired drivers in the same shift 10 times and arrested 4 impaired drivers in the same shift 3 times. Trooper Culbeaux truly leads by example, and is a testament to how hard work and determination can have a huge impact on Public Safety.
OUTSTANDING ROOKIE – Rookie officers nominated for this award made a difference in 2024 by going above and beyond in DUI enforcement. (*Rookie is defined as an officer with less than one year of service)
Officer Derek Gregorich : Officer Gregorich joined our agency in August of 2023 and completed our FTO program in December of 2023. From the time he completed FTO to the end of 2024, he made 32 DWI arrests, which lead our agency. Since moving to solo patrol, Derek has been focused on keeping our streets and citizens safe by enforcing the DWI laws.
Officer Maxwell Strong: During his 2024 rookie year as an officer, Officer Strong has made a significant impact by making 82 Impaired Driving arrests. These 82 Impaired Driving arrests in one year is also a department record for an officer of his young tenure. Officer Strong is an outstanding example of the impact a dedicated officer can make in DWI enforcement and how their contributions have made our communities safer.
Officer Samuel Lieberman: Officer Lieberman joined South Lake Minnetonka PD in July of 2024 and has quickly distinguished himself as a valuable asset. In just a few short months, Officer Lieberman has made 20 DWI arrests and over 1,200 traffic stops. These numbers are particularly significant, as it reflects not only his diligence but also his proactive approach to identifying and apprehending impaired drivers. He is a true asset to our department and a champion for the safety of our community.
MADD CHOICE FOR OUTSTANDING ROOKIE– These officers were nominated for the Outstanding Rookie Award but were selected for the MADD CHOICE due to their exceptional skill, innovation, leadership, and enforcement.
Trooper Carter Pavek: Trooper Carter Pavek started solo patrol on July 24, 2025. Since that date, he has arrested 57 impaired drivers during his regularly scheduled shifts. Through keen observation, proactive enforcement, and a strong understanding of impaired driving detection, he has successfully removed 57 impaired drivers, preventing potential fatality crashes. No matter the situation, he always brings a smile and an eagerness to service.
Officer Lane West: Officer West completed his first year as a law enforcement officer in 2024, completing 55 DWI events. He has undertaken DWI’s as a main focus of his early career, despite changing departments to the White Earth Police Department in June of 2024 and conducting non – traffic investigations as part of his duties as a patrol officer. Officer West seeks training to better his DWI investigations including attending SFST / ARIDE as well as becoming a DRE. Officer West’s dedication to proactive enforcement is also being recognized with his assignment to his K9 partner that he will be attending training with this spring.
Trooper Corey Haddy: Trooper Haddy located 114 impaired drivers in 2024, which was his first full year of Law Enforcement. This number is the highest in the State Patrol for any shift except for the overnight shift. This is in addition to being the primary Trooper on 228 crashes. He commits to working Towards Zero Deaths (TZD) shifts on his time off to further this initiative and help keep Minnesota roadways safe.
OUTSTANDING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY – Law enforcement agencies nominated for this award made a difference in 2024 by going above and beyond in DUI enforcement.
White Earth Police Department: The White Earth Police Department has made remarkable strides in its mission to combat impaired driving and enhance public safety, earning its place as a leader in law enforcement initiatives. In 2023, the department recorded 47 DWI arrests. Recognizing the need to prioritize traffic safety, our team implemented targeted measures to increase enforcement and visibility, resulting in a dramatic improvement with 155 DWI arrests in 2024. This represents a more than threefold increase in enforcement efforts, reflecting our officers’ unwavering commitment to protecting lives and keeping our roads safe.
Bemidji Police Department: The Bemidji Police Department has collaborated with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety’s DUI/Traffic Safety Officer program since September 2018. During this time, all Bemidji Police Officers have arrested 2053 persons for DUI. Additionally, BPD has sent 3 Officers to Drug Recognition Expert certification training (2019, 2023, 2025), 1 to Drug Recognition Expert Instructor training (2025), 1 Officer to the National Lifesaver’s Conference (2024). Officers have been recognized at every level each year by MADD as medallion awardees for their efforts in DUI enforcement.
Shakopee Police Department: The Shakopee Police Department’s commitment to ensuring safe roadways is unwavering and we couldn’t be prouder of the work our officers do on a daily basis. In an effort to remove obstacles when it comes to impaired driving, we offer several options for our residents and visitors through both our Designated Driver incentives and our Sober Ride Home program. The initiative has been successful and demonstrates how working collaboratively with local establishments can help promote safe roads. Local businesses and the Shakopee community have shown tremendous support and appreciation for our efforts to help people enjoy everything our wonderful city has to offer while ensuring they reach their destinations safely!
DRUGGED DRIVING ENFORCEMENT – This award can refer to a law enforcement agency, group, or individual. The nominee(s) made a significant contribution to remove drugged drivers from Minnesota roadways.
Deputy Ahmed Kadhim– Ahmed was hired on Aug. 26th, 2024. He was on FTO until mid-October when he started on the road alone. Since then, he has arrested 10 DWIs in 3 months. Rock County has a population of 9700 people and 480 square miles. We are a small county, but Ahmed has arrested 10 DWIs in this short period where traffic is very limited. Ahmed deserves to be recognized for his efforts
Kevin Schnorenberg– Kevin has consistently gone above and beyond in his efforts to find and arrest individuals for drinking and driving, making 27 arrests in 2024. With a sharp eye for detail and a relentless dedication to keeping the community safe, he often worked late into the night, patrolling known hotspots, monitoring suspicious driving behaviors, and proactively finding vehicles in driving complaints. Kevin’s keen instincts and proactive approach allowed him to spot impaired drivers before they became a danger to themselves and others. His commitment to the cause of making our roadways safer has made a significant impact, reducing the number of accidents, and saving countless lives.
Jesse Mathwig– The Maple Grove Police Department and Officer Jesse Mathwig should be commended on their significant contribution to combating drugged driving. In 2023, 2024 & 2025, the Maple Grove Police Department hosted Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) schools. We want to thank them for their significant contribution to drugged driving enforcement & education and for hosting numerous training course at the Maple Grove Government Center and the North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility. Thank you for making drugged driving enforcement and education a top priority in the City of Maple Grove and around the State of Minnesota.
MADD ACHIEVEMENT FOR DRUGGED DRIVING ENFORCEMENT – These officers were nominated for the Drugged Driving Enforcement award but were selected for the MADD ACHIEVEMENT due to their exceptional skill, innovation, leadership, and enforcement.
Deputy Corey Sammons: Deputy Corey Sammons is relentless in his efforts to enforce traffic laws and investigate drug and alcohol impaired drivers. Deputy Sammons logged 89 DUI arrests, and completed 78 search warrants for DUI investigations. Deputy Sammons speaks in front of school students about impaired driving, and also assists with training and instructing our department personnel in SFST. Deputy Sammons is a valued member of our office, and passionately dedicates himself to promoting public safety within our community.
Trooper Deanna Wayne: Over the past year, Trooper Deanna Wayne, has used her skills as a Drug Recognition Expert to make an impact on our roadways by removing impaired drivers while also educating other officers statewide on how to detect impairment effectively. During 2024, she completed 34 DWI arrests, many which were drug related, all while working day shift. She is a leader in the district, not only for her enforcement effort, but also for her guidance and advice regarding DWI situations.
LEADING FROM THE FRONT – This award recognizes a leader of the command staff who has made impaired driving a focus of his or her department.
Sergeant Tony Petrie: Sergeant Tony Petrie has been leading DWI enforcement from the front lines for over a decade and has strived to set an example for other law enforcement officers. Sergeant Petrie continuously trains and guides deputies to pursue impaired drivers, specifically drug impaired drivers to ensure safer roads in Hubbard County and throughout Minnesota.
Commander Jeremy Ellison – Commander Ellison is currently a Commander for the Traffic and Safety Pedestrian Unit with the City of Saint Paul Police Department. He is the second top enforcer in the Saint Paul Police Department for 2024 and fifth place in 2023 when it comes to DWI arrests department wide. Commander Ellison is the definition of leading from the front due to not only coordinating the TZD program, but also in addition to his duties as a Commander, actively seeks out arrests for DWI. Commander Ellison is instrumental and holds a large percentage of DWI arrests to place the City of Saint Paul into the top five agencies in Minnesota for DWI enforcement.
K9 EXCELLENCE – This award recognizes a K9 Officer, partner, or duo, who made a difference in 2024 by going above and beyond in DUI enforcement.
Deputy Nils Hansen– Deputy Hansen has proven to be an outstanding and proactive member of the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office. To date, Deputy Hansen has logged an impressive 192 hours of training with Charlie, resulting in 24 deployments. Their collaboration has yielded substantial outcomes, including the removal of 1,751 grams of methamphetamine, 53 grams of fentanyl, 6,804 grams of marijuana, and 2 grams of heroin from the Carlton County community. Together, they have contributed to 20 DWI arrests—13 alcohol-related and 7 controlled substance-related.
TOP DUI ENFORCER PINS – Bronze (25-49 DUI Arrests), Silver (50-99 DUI Arrests), Gold (100-149 DUI Arrests), Red Medallion (150+ DUI Arrests)
Honorable Mentions:
Deputy Ahmed Kadhim– Rock County Sheriff’s Office 11
Officer Derrick Barr– Oakdale Police Department 20
Officer Samuel Lieberman– South Lake Police Department 20
Deputy Nils Hansen– Carlton County Sheriff’s Office 20
Officer Dominic Shelley– Oak Park Heights Police Department 22
Bronze (25-49 DUI Arrests)
Trooper Aaron Bommersbach– MN State Patrol (3200) 25
Deputy Casey DeLacey- Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office 25
Lieutenant John Fritz- MN State Patrol (2500) 25
Officer Jordan Host- Brainerd Police Department 25
Deputy Ethan Schwinghammer- Stearns County Sheriff’s Office 25
Deputy Kevin Urke- Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office 25
Trooper Benjamin Bauer- MN State Patrol (2900) 26
Trooper Zachary Caldwell- MN State Patrol (2500) 26
Trooper Matthew Carlson- MN State Patrol (2600) 26
Officer Michael Pfeilsticker- Lake City Police Department 26
Officer Kevin Schletty- Bloomington Police Department 26
Officer Aaron Schmidt- South St. Paul Police Department 26
Trooper Mark Vande Steeg- MN State Patrol (2500) 26
Officer Josh Wicker- Bemidji Police Department 26
Officer Karl Zabinski- Minneapolis Park Police 27
Trooper Garrett Erickson- MN State Patrol (2500) 27
Deputy Christian Howse- Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office 27
Trooper Dylan Kriese- MN State Patrol (2600) 27
Officer Andrew Mattson- Woodbury Police Department 27
Sheriff Kevin Schnorenberg- Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office 27
Trooper Matthew Wooding- MN State Patrol (2100) 27
Deputy Kila Bazoff- Wright County Sheriff’s Office 28
Officer Jack Deininger- St. Paul Police Department 28
Trooper Zachery Fay- MN State Patrol (2100) 28
Trooper Kevin Kuebler- MN State Patrol (2500) 28
Sergeant Allen Mekash- OtterTail County Sheriff’s Office 29
Sergeant Tony Petrie- Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office 28
Officer Chandler Ross- Red Lake Department of Public Safety 28
Officer Austin Sable- Minneapolis Police Department 28
Officer Joe Super- New Brighton Police Department 28
Trooper Mohamed Bah- MN State Patrol (2400) 29
Officer Brandon Comiskey- Stillwater Police Department 29
Trooper Jamie Gilchrist- MN State Patrol (2700) 29
Trooper Every Gyi- MN State Patrol (2400) 29
Trooper Christian Lemon- MN State Patrol (2400) 29
Trooper Nicole Marshik- MN State Patrol (2600) 29
Officer Isaiah Moore- St Louis Park Police Department 29
Deputy Joseph Olufson- Wright County Sheriff’s Office 29
Officer Jacob Prince- Edina Police Department 29
Deputy Patrick Swenson- Washington County Sheriff’s Department 29
Deputy Chris Burk- Douglas County Sheriff’s Department 30
Trooper Alejandro Dominguez- MN State Patrol (2500) 30
Officer Travis Larson- Edina Police Department 30
Trooper Nathan Elzen- MN State Patrol (2200) 31
Trooper Kelvin Harris- MN State Patrol (2500) 31
Officer Colin Johnson- Mankato Police Department 31
Officer Ryan Mjolsness- St. Cloud Police Department 31
Officer Anthony Ohlendorf- Mounds View Police Department 31
Officer Timothy VanGrinsven- Forest Lake Police Department 31
Trooper Jacob Christopherson- MN State Patrol (2700) 32
Officer Mitch Fitzgerald- Rochester Police Department 32
Officer Derek Gregorich- Cambridge Police Department 32
Sergeant Dominic Hamre- Red Lake Department of Public Safety 32
Trooper Tyler Lay- MN State Patrol (2500) 32
Officer Ashley Moran- Grand Rapids Police Department 32
Trooper Andrew Schommer- MN State Patrol (2500) 32
Deputy Justin Thesing- Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office 32
Officer Travis Gleason- Brainerd Police Department 33
Officer Ethan Hofschulte- Winona Police Department 33
Trooper James Noxon- MN State Patrol (2400) 33
Deputy Cole Thoma- Stearns County Sheriff’s Office 33
Trooper Alexander Wright- MN State Patrol (2500) 33
Deputy Nick Moberg- Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office 34
Officer Cory Luckow- Alexandria Police Department 35
Officer Johnathan Rasmussen- Edina Police Department 35
Deputy Matt Sobczak- St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office 35
Trooper Deanna Wayne- MN State Patrol (2500) 35
Officer Nicholas Wegner- Woodbury Police Department 35
Deputy Frank Hintz- Washington County Sheriff’s Department 36
Officer Marco Miranda- Glenco Police Department 36
Officer Kenneth Olson- Bagley Police Department 36
Trooper Michael Wren- MN State Patrol (2400) 36
Trooper Luke Dohman- MN State Patrol (2400) 37
Trooper Trevor Dostal- MN State Patrol (2400) 37
Officer Will Forberg- Shakopee Police Department 37
Trooper Justin Mathes- MN State Patrol (2500) 37
Trooper Alexander Tokar- MN State Patrol (2600) 37
Officer Aryk Arndt- Inver Grove Heights Police Department 38
Trooper Carter Pavek- MN State Patrol (2400) 38
Officer Jacob Charlton- Rochester Police Department 39
Officer Erik Jax- White Earth Police Department 39
Sergeant Andrew Krey- Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office 39
Trooper Isaac Stephens- MN State Patrol (2500) 39
Trooper Elijah Allen- MN State Patrol (3100) 40
Trooper Sean Bruns- MN State Patrol (2200) 40
Trooper Michael Stillings- MN State Patrol (2500) 40
Officer John Thomas- New Brighton Police Department 40
Officer Connor Collette- Baxter Police Department 42
Officer Ezra Moore- Minneapolis Police Department 42
Officer Nate Birkner- Anoka Police Department 43
Officer Bryce Johnson- Brainerd Police Department 43
Officer Jennah Justen- Blaine Police Department 43
Trooper Michael Peterson- MN State Patrol (2600) 43
Officer Lance Ulrich- Rochester Police Department 43
Officer Jonathon Wiseman- Shakopee Police Department 44
Trooper Reese Benda- MN State Patrol (3100) 46
Officer Audra Rawlings- St. Paul Police Department 47
Trooper Brett Hoy- MN State Patrol (2400) 49
Deputy Ryan Zettel- White Earth Police Department 49
Silver (50-99 DUI Arrests)
Trooper Chase Jensen- MN State Patrol (3100) 50
Officer John Miller- Woodbury Police Department 50
Officer Adam Casanova- Baxter Police Department 52
Trooper Derrik Hoy- MN State Patrol (2400) 53
Officer Evan Wimmer- Winona Police Department 53
Trooper Alexander Anderson- MN State Patrol (3200) 54
Officer Nathanael Peters- Brainerd Police Department 54
Trooper Dalton Miller- MN State Patrol (2100) 55
Officer Tommy Satele- Blaine Police Department 55
Trooper Alexander Vukelich- MN State Patrol (2100) 55
Officer Lane West- White Earth Police Department 55
Officer Leonard Gerten- Minneapolis Police Department 56
Officer Jack Milbauer- Woodbury Police Department 57
Deputy Kale Karstens- McLeod County Sheriff’s Office 58
Officer Malachi Slaughter- St. Paul Police Department 58
Officer Neal Warren- Bemidji Police Department 58
Trooper Vincent Wren- MN State Patrol (2400) 58
Deputy John Davis- Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office 59
Trooper Zachary Borchardt- MN State Patrol (2700) 60
Officer Jacob Dub- St. Paul Police Department 60
Officer Jonathan Coello- South St. Paul Police Department 61
Officer Jeremy Ellison- St. Paul Police Department 62
Deputy Jon Stracek- Carlton County Sheriff’s Office 62
Officer Brian Butler- Minneapolis Police Department 66
Sergeant Cory Johnson- MN State Patrol (2400) 67
Trooper Nicholas Swanson- MN State Patrol (2100) 68
Officer Jake Nelson- South Lake Police Department 72
Trooper Justin Renken- MN State Patrol (2500) 73
Trooper Darin Vossen- MN State Patrol (2600) 73
Officer Tim Korinta- Bemidji Police Department 77
Trooper Nicholas Kammerer- MN State Patrol (2500) 78
Deputy Mike Lacore- Mower County Sheriff’s Office 78
Officer Matthew Boogren- St. Paul Police Department 79
Officer Maxwell Strong- Mankato Police Department 82
Sergeant Allen Thill- MN State Patrol (2500) 82
Officer Trevor Weinmann- Plymouth Police Department 84
Officer Jake Cree- Blaine Police Department 85
Trooper Hunter Dupy- MN State Patrol (2400) 85
Officer Jeffrey Mathiowetz- Minnetonka Police Department 85
Trooper Milo Allen- MN State Patrol (2600) 87
Officer Adam Crain- Savage Police Department 87
Trooper Derrick Row- MN State Patrol (2500) 88
Deputy Corey Sammons- Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 89
Officer Tawny Weaver- Maplewood Police Department 89
Trooper Briana Cline- MN State Patrol (2400) 93
Trooper Cody Schyma- MN State Patrol (2500) 94
Gold (100-149 DUI Arrests)
Deputy Ahmed Ismail Awl- Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office 102
Officer Thomas Martinez- St. Louis Park Police Department 109
Deputy Matthew Lisic- Wright County Sheriff’s Office 110
Trooper Corey Haddy- MN State Patrol (2500) 114
Deputy Lavonte Hardie- Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office 121
Officer Jacob Weldon- Inver Grove Heights Police Department 122
Trooper Thomas Clark- MN State Patrol (2500) 128
Officer Chad Streiff- Eden Prairie Police Department 129
Trooper Mihai Strogoteanu- MN State Patrol (2500) 141
Trooper Joshua Neumann- MN State Patrol (2700) 148
Red Medallion (150+ DUI Arrests)
Trooper Alex Forsman- MN State Patrol (2500) 164
Officer Chase Gallinger- Red Lake Department of Public Safety 179
Trooper Gustavo Culbeaux- MN State Patrol (2500) 224
Judiciary Awards
OUTSTANDING JUDGE – Judges nominated for this award will have shown their dedication to working in the areas of DUI, education, prevention, or innovation to reduce drunk and impaired driving.
OUTSTANDING PROSECUTOR – Prosecutors nominated for this award show their dedication to saving lives on Minnesota’s roadways through their prosecution of impaired drivers.
PROBATION OF THE YEAR – Probation Officers nominated for this award show their dedication to saving lives on Minnesota’s roadways and fighting impaired driving through their work in the areas of education, prevention, and/or policy.
First Responder Awards
OUTSTANDING FIRST RESPONDER – Non-peace officers (such as EMTs or firefighters) who have made a difference in the last year by going above and beyond in the area(s) of education, prevention, outreach, or victim support, and whose efforts are making an impact in reducing alcohol-related deaths and injuries on Minnesota’s roads.
OUTSTANDING RADIO COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR – Operators nominated for this award show their dedication to saving lives on Minnesota’s roadways in their partnership with law enforcement officials, first responders, and community members by responding to, and directing, personnel on traffic stops, arrests, and crashes as they occur.
Shannon Scherz: Shannon is regularly one of the top 911 call takers and dispatchers for the State of Minnesota. In April 2025, Shannon received a 911 open line in which she heard the caller being violently assaulted in a moving vehicle. The victim was unable to speak during the call, but Shannon tracked the vehicle while coordinating with troopers and Minneapolis police officers. At one intersection, the vehicle stopped, and the suspect got out; officers then swarmed the suspect.
Victim Services Awards
VICTIM SERVICES AWARD – Victim service providers nominated for this award show their dedication to supporting MADD’s mission of supporting victims/survivors of impaired driving crashes.
Public Policy Awards
POLICY SETTER – Individuals and/or agencies nominated for this award show dedication to working to save lives on Minnesota’s roadways by reducing impaired driving through their efforts to set policy regarding DUI issues, special work on victim issues, legislation issues, support of MADD Victim Impact Panels, and/or underage drinking initiatives.
PUBLIC SAFETY CHAMPION – Individuals and/or non-law enforcement entities (e.g. parole officers, traffic safety professionals, government agencies, etc.) nominated for this award will have shown through their day-to-day activities their dedication to reducing impaired driving or underage drinking.
Savage Police Records Department: The Savage Police Department would like to nominate records specialists Kelly Fitzhenry, Diane Otto, Beverly Wollum, Jennifer Driscoll, Lindsey Cullers, and Supervisor Jacalyn Hudlemeyer for the 2024 MADD Outstanding Law Enforcement Award for their hard work and dedication to supporting the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Savage Police Department and public safety. They process every DUI arrest that comes through our department, which require a large amount of documentation, scanning, transcribing, and distributing. They are often working under a deadline and rotate shifts on Sundays to get a jump start on their priorities as these cases are very time consuming. Our records specialists handled a total of 186 DUI events in 2024!
Media Awards
MEDIA MAKING A DIFFERENCE – Media outlets, or individuals including print, online, radio, and television, who are nominated for this award show their dedication to furthering the conversation on MADD’s mission-related topics.
Youth/Underage Drinking Prevention Awards
OUTSTANDING SCHOOL OFFICER – Officers nominated for this award displayed their dedication to working in the areas of underage drinking prevention, exhibiting innovation in their work.
TEEN INFLUENCERS – Students or student groups who have demonstrated commitment to underage drinking prevention.
YOUTH PREVENTION AWARD – This award focuses on individuals or agencies who worked in 2024 to implement youth prevention strategies in their schools, communities, and/or other program areas.
Recreational Vehicle Safety Awards
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE SAFETY – This award recognizes a law enforcement agency, group, individual, or community partner(s). The nominee(s) made a significant contribution in 2024 to reduce recreational vehicle alcohol and/or drug impaired operation.
Eric Sullivan: Eric Sullivan and his dedicated team in the Marine Unit of the Enforcement Division at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources deserve recognition for their unwavering commitment to ensuring safe waterways. Their efforts significantly contribute to the well-being of our communities and the enjoyment of our natural resources. Although the Marine Unit is a small team, they have demonstrated an exceptional ability to promote safe boating practices and reduce incidents related to impaired boating on our waterways. Under Eric Sullivan’s leadership and vision, they have fostered a culture of safety and responsibility among boaters in Minnesota.
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Contact Information
Phone: 651-523-0802
Email: [email protected]
8011 34th Ave S #145
Bloomington, MN 55425