An officer identified by MADD Canada as being from Airdrie is among 68 Alberta police officers honoured this week for their efforts to remove impaired drivers from the road.
The officer, whose name and agency were not released, laid between 15 and 24 impaired driving charges in 2024. They received a certificate of recognition and a Silver Challenge Coin through MADD Canada’s Cpl. Cumming’s Watch Awards. MADD Canada also confirmed the officer did not attend the ceremony.
Now in its tenth year, the awards program is a joint initiative between MADD Canada, Alberta RCMP and Alberta Transportation’s Office of Traffic Safety. Nominations are open to all police agencies in Alberta.
The awards are named in honour of RCMP Cpl. Graeme Cumming, who was killed by an impaired driver while on duty on Highway 3 near Lethbridge on August 12, 1998. The program recognizes police officers for their efforts to prevent deaths and injuries caused by impaired drivers.
"MADD Canada is proud to honour these police officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect us from the dangers of impaired driving," said MADD Canada National President Tanya Hansen Pratt in a written statement. Her mother, Beryl, was killed by an impaired driver in 1999.
"Their efforts not only help save lives, but they also send a clear message that impaired driving will not be tolerated. We are proud to stand with them in this important fight," she said.
Of this year’s 68 honourees, 41 officers received Silver Challenge Coins for charging between 15 and 24 impaired drivers. Another 21 officers received Gold Challenge Coins for laying 25 or more charges.
MADD Canada is a national non-profit organization focused on stopping impaired driving and supporting victims. The group has volunteer-driven chapters in nearly 100 communities across the country.
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