The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) was in the spotlight recently as its DUI Unit and several patrol deputies were recognized for their efforts to combat impaired driving. According to a statement released by the PCSO, the deputies were honored at the 2024 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Awards Recognition Event on August 2, in Fort Myers. MADD celebrated the law enforcement officers and their families for their contributions to keeping the roads and community safe from the dangers of impaired driving.
The PCSO DUI Unit notably received the Outstanding Dedication to Drugged Driving Enforcement Agency Award. The acknowledgment comes as part of MADD's mission to put a stop to both drunk and drugged driving, assist the victims of these crimes, and prevent underage drinking. Continuously working to reduce the devastating impacts of DUI on families and the community, the PCSO establishes itself as a formidable force in the fight for road safety.
Individual accolades were also bestowed upon several deputies for their contributions. Deputy L. Temple was specially recognized and received the Outstanding Dedication to DUI Enforcement Law Enforcement Officer Award. Temple, along with Deputies C. Churchill, B. Hirshman, A. Mitchell, and G. Yeargin, earned the prominent Century Achiever Award, which is given to law enforcement members who apprehend 100+ DUI offenders within a year. This impressive feat signifies a dedicated effort towards enforcement and highlights the extensive work undertaken by these officers.
Recognitions such as these not only play to elevate the contributions of law enforcement but also remind the community of the ongoing efforts to ensure safety. As the PCSO deputies return to their duties, their awarded honors standing as a testament to their commitment, they continue to actively keep our roads safer–a charge they do not take lightly.
