MADD Awards Riverhead For Fighting Back Against Drugs, Alcohol

RIVERHEAD, NY — After years of tireless dedication in the fight against drugs and alcohol, Riverhead leaders in the battle were honored for their efforts by Mothers Against Drug Driving.

The Riverhead Police Department, Officer Timothy Murphy, Riverhead CAP and the Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Youth were honored at MADD's 10th Annual NY Metro Law Enforcement Recognition Awards on Thursday at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.

The event is organized to acknowledge the "good work of over 75 law enforcement professionals and 10 law enforcement agencies from Nassau County, Suffolk County, and New York City who have shown outstanding dedication to DWI enforcement, prosecution and education," a release said.

Murphy received the Recognition of Excellence Award for his commitment to preventing drunk driving in Riverhead.

Police Chief David Hegermiller said Murphy has led the department in arrests for DWI since Hegermiller became chief in 2002, with 72 arrests alone in 2016.

The Riverhead Police Department was one of 10 law enforcement agencies to receive the Department of the Year Award, a release said.

In addition, the Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Youth and Riverhead CAP received the Community Awareness Award for its partnership with the Riverhead Police Department to prevent and reduce underage drinking and drunk driving through environmental strategies that include reducing access to alcohol by underage and impaired individuals, education and awareness campaigns, responsible beverage server training, and providing grant funding to increase enforcement.

Hegermiller nominated Riverhead CAP and the Coalition for the award.

“MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving endorses and encourages high-visibility law enforcement and continuing diligence on the part of our police, prosecutors and probation professionals,” Richard C. Mallow, MADD New York State Executive Director, said. “This annual event is our way of saying thanks to those who dedicate their lives to this important work.”

Patch courtesy photo.