MADD Sarnia-Lambton is recognizing the efforts of a couple of local officers who have helped to maintain safe roadways from impaired drivers.
This year’s Safe Roads Champions are Sarnia Police Services Cst. Phil Veale and Lambton OPP Cst. Brandon McKeen.
The local MADD chapter began issuing the annual award five years ago. It receives nominations from both police organizations in order to choose a recipient.
(Lambton OPP Cst. Brandon McKeen receives the Safe Roads Champions award. March 2022. (Photo courtesy of MADD Sarnia/Lambton)
“MADD Sarnia/Lambton recognizes these officers as Safe Roads Champions and thanks them for making a significant difference out there,” said chapter President Erin Pollard in a statement.
The number of drunk driving incidents reported in Sarnia-Lambton during the pandemic has gone up. Pollard called statistics "deeply concerning" which is why policing efforts are so important.
Lambton OPP issued 124 impaired driving charges in 2021, compared to 106 in 2020. Sarnia police laid 76 alcohol-related driving charges in 2021, which was up from 50 in 2020.