There's no doubt that when citizens of Porter County venture out to enjoy a night on the town or to simply fill an errand, that they often don't think of whether or not their drive will be safe. That's where the Porter County Drunk Driving Task Force comes in.
On Thursday, December 15, police officers from all over Porter County as well as the Task Force was thanked for its watch and service throughout the year at Strongbow Inn. Family members were also present at the banquet to see their loved ones receive awards and recognition.
"This is our way of saying thanks for their duty through the [holiday] season and all year round," said Sgt. Michael Grennes of the Valparaiso Police Department as well as Chairperson of the Task Force.
"Most law enforcement people don't want a lot of recognition, but we thought it was important to do anyways."
This year, Porter County totaled 1028 DUI arrests which remains a fairly constant number from last year at 978. That number may seem high, but DUI arrests were over 1300 just three years ago. Of course, no one would be content in just punishing wrongdoers and neither is the Task Force. They're focused on prevention as well.
Their mission is to prevent and educate about the dangers of impaired driving in Porter County, and they do events throughout the year to fulfill their aim. One of the most frequent and effective events they do throughout the year is the "DUI goggles" and golf cart program at every Porter County high school. The event gives students an idea of what it is to drive drunk and hopefully steer them clear from ever trying it in real life.
The law enforcement agencies in this county are nothing less than the most professional, upstanding, and excellent people in Porter County. And that's something to be proud of.
Click here for more photos from the banquet!
Here are the top officers from their respective departments who garnered the most DUI arrests thoughout the year:
Burns Harbor Police Dept (22)
1st Place: Craig Barnes (13)
Kouts Police Dept (62)
1st Place: Dale Marshall (25)
2nd Place: Dave Johnsten (24)
Chesterton Police Dept (83)1st Place: Troy Allen (23)
2nd Place: Nicholas Brown (19)
Hebron Police Dept (84)
1st Place: Tony Dandurand (36)
2nd Place: Morris Smoot (8)
Indiana State Police (84)
1st Place: Glen Fifield (23)
2nd Place: Mary Felger (12)
Valparaiso Police Dept (142)
1st Place: Andrew McIntyre (18)
2nd Place: Andy Taylor (13)
Porter County Sheriff's Dept (238)
1st Place: Paul Czupryn (30)
2nd Place: Timothy M. Bell (22)
Portage Police Dept (313)
1st Place: Greg Coleman (74)
2nd Place: Roger Peele (58)
Porter County Drunk Driving Task Force Members include:
Andrew Bennett
Craig Barnes
Tim Beach
Cliff Burch
Sharon Cawood
Barb Claypool
Anna-Marie Dixon
Shayna Dujmovich
Mike Grennes
Dave Johnsten
Larry LaFlower
Dave Lohse
April Russ
John Ryan
Lynn Slate
Michelle Volk
Ann Wojas