Sarnia Police Chief Norm Hansen and MADD Sarnia-Lambton Director at Large Erin Pollard present Cst. Andrew Veale with a plaque recognizing exemplary efforts against impaired driving. November 2020. (Photo provided by MADD SL)Sarnia Police Chief Norm Hansen and MADD Sarnia-Lambton Director at Large Erin Pollard present Cst. Andrew Veale with a plaque recognizing exemplary efforts against impaired driving. November 2020. (Photo provided by MADD SL)
Sarnia

MADD Sarnia-Lambton honours officers for combatting impaired driving

Two local police officers who went above and beyond to reduce impaired driving in 2020, have been honoured by MADD Sarnia-Lambton.

The chapter recently presented plaques to Lambton OPP Cst. Zachary Gast and Sarnia Police Cst. Andrew Veale.

Chapter Director at Large Erin Pollard said they've been presenting the awards for about three years now.

"It's people who stand out in the community, who are helping the community, and who really go above and beyond their duty to catch these people who are offending and doing the crimes."

Pollard said all police officers across Sarnia-Lambton play a huge role in the fight against impaired driving, making it hard to single out two officers to honour.

She said despite the efforts from both services impaired driving continues to be a huge problem.

"It's a big issue, but I think now what we're seeing is more extremes -- cars being driven into houses and the accidents that are coming from [impaired driving] are much more extreme than they were in past years."

Pollard said the organization typically presents the awards at their white crosses display, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards were handed out individually in 2020.

Read More Local Stories

New military crosswalk rendering. (Image courtesy of the Sarnia Legion Branch 62)

New military crosswalk in Sarnia to be unveiled

As part of a partnership between the Sarnia Legion Branch 62 and City of Sarnia, an unveiling ceremony will be held at the corner of Christina Street and Wellington Street on Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m.

Members of the Sarnia Police Service entering a Tashmoo Avenue residence on June 4, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Sarnia Police Service)

Two men arrested in Tashmoo Ave. standoff

Sarnia police said the investigation began on May 29 after the victim was allegedly attacked by acquaintances at a residence near Tashmoo Avenue and Christopher Drive at Aamjiwnaang First Nation.