Make a Connection DUI Award Annual Ceremony

CONTACT:

Dawn Pelc, Executive Director 219-462-0946 dpelc@portercountysac.org

RE: Community Recognition Banquet IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 15 2107

Porter County Officers Lauded for 946 DUI Arrests

Over 100 police officers, command staff and coalition members gathered at the Porter County Substance Abuse Council’s annual breakfast to recognize the best of the best in law enforcement and community engagement.

Sheriff David Reynolds opening remarks highlighted the dedication and commitment of the law enforcement community to keep the roadways free of drunk and impaired driving and crimes related to substance use disorder. “There were 946 arrests and convictions from September 2016 to October 2017 thanks to a concerted effort by all the police officers in this room,” said the Sheriff. “We are proud to recognize their unwavering efforts today by publicly honoring them for their outstanding contributions,” added Reynolds. Porter County Sheriff’s Department, Officer Michael Damjanovic and Indiana State Police Officer Andy Rasala shared top honors with the total of 42 DUI arrests each.

Other departments followed suit with respectable arrest records in their jurisdiction indicated in parenthesis: Burns Harbor, Corporal Tim Lucas (11) and Assistant Chief Jeremy McHargue (6); Chesterton Police Department, Officer Aaron Miersma (16); Hebron Police Department, Chief Joshua Noel (14), Corporal Robert O’Dea (10) and Officer Adam Jaskowiak (10); Kouts Police Department, Officer Adam Jaskowiak (12) and Officer Dolores Mueller (6); Odgen Dunes Police Department, Troy Calabro (4); Portage Police Department, Master Patrolman Steven McGraw (13) and Master Patrolman Brian Graves (12); Porter Police Department, Officer Kevin Rospierski (9) and Officer Dan Dickey (5); Porter County Sheriff’s Department, Officer Dale Marshall (35); and Valparaiso Police Department, Officer John Nuppnau (21) and Officer Michelle Kodicek (19).

Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD), Volunteer Resource Specialist Lael Hill, emphasized, “Crashes that involve drunk drivers are no accident because they are completely preventable.” Hill was joined by Andrew Briner that spoke about the personal tragedy of losing his 21 year old son Phillip to a drunk driving incident. Together they acknowledged officers with a certificate of appreciation. Coroner Chuck Harris was recognized as the only known coroner in the state to personally deliver death notifications to families of the victims.

Guest Speaker Justin Phillips, Executive Director of Overdose Lifeline, Inc, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing opioid deaths by distributing Naloxone (Narcan) and advocate to enact Aaron’s Law that expands access to Naloxone without a physician’s prescription, summed up the importance of equipping first responders with the opioid reversal drug. Coroner Chuck Harris joined her in recognizing officers that saved Hoosier lives with the Phoenix Award. Harris introduced the award last year to commend those that have saved another family of heartbreak and give the victim a chance of living a sober life in recovery.

The theme for the banquet this year was “Making a Connection” to highlight the leadership and commitment of over 140 professionals that comprise the coalition in law enforcement and criminal justice; prevention and awareness; and treatment, intervention and recovery. Council President and Drunk Driving Task Force Chairman Tim Beach was recognized with the Leadership Award from the Council and the Award of Excellence by Sheriff David Reynolds; Executive Director Dawn Pelc was presented an Award of Excellence from the Sheriff; Megan Johnston, Coordinator Recovery Connection received the Breaking the Stigma Recovery Award; Sheriff David Reynolds, Community Matters – Law Enforcement Leadership; Coroner Chuck Harris, Awareness Matters – Prevention; Todd Willis, Awareness Matters – Treatment; Jenny Harkel – Lifetime Achievement; Chad Clifford, Front Porch Music – Community Matters - Partnership; and Master Patrolman (Portage Police Department) Robert Nichols and Sergeant Jamie Erow (Porter County Sheriff’s Department) Community Matters – Law Enforcement.

Justin Mount, Regional Director for Senator Joe Donnelly presented closing remarks about the efforts of the Senator to address the public health crisis of prescription opioid and heroin abuse with the recently adopted Comprehensive and Addiction Recovery Act (CARA) legislation; the paramount importance of community policing and the admiration of those attending the banquet and the shared vision of creating lasting, large scale change in Porter County by Making a Connection in the community.

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