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| Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, center, is honored for her efforts in stopping drunken driving by Eric Creamer, left, executive director of MADD Rhode Island, and Col. Steven G. O’Donnell, superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police. |
The Rhode Island chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving has honored
Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, New Shoreham, South Kingstown) for her
efforts in stopping substance impaired driving, supporting victims and
preventing underage drinking.
The event, which took place September 23rd at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in
Warwick, recognized the work of more than 25 professionals and agencies that
have shown outstanding dedication to DUI enforcement, prosecution, victim
services, legislation, emergency services and education.
“I am humbled to share the stage today with such an exceptional group of
dedicated individuals, from law enforcement to victims’ services professionals,
emergency health care workers and an educator,” said Senator Sosnowski. “They
are the ones on the front lines each and every day making a difference for our
community.”
She also sponsored legislation that increases the
penalties for drunken driving, providing a more meaningful deterrent to
reckless driving and driving under the influence, as well as a law enabling
police officers investigating a serious accident to get a search warrant to
collect blood, breath or urine samples in spite of a Breathalyzer refusal, if
there is probable cause.
“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.” said Eric Creamer, MADD Rhode
Island executive director.
“And there are so many individuals involved in
furthering our mission to prevent drunken and drugged driving, serve victims
and prevent underage drinking. This annual event is our way of saying thanks to
those who dedicate their lives to this important work.”
In addition to Senator Sosnowski, the awards were presented to State
Troopers Franklin Navarro and Michael Reynolds III; Middletown Police Officers
Brett McKinnon, Christian Orellana and Brendan Behan; Richmond Police Corporal
William Litterio, Portsmouth Police Patrolman James Francis, Providence Police
Patrolman Michael Troia, Lincoln Police Officer Bradley Stewart and North
Providence Police Officer Ryan Emerson.
The Officer DUI Hero of the Year is State Trooper Conor O’Donnell. The
Drug Recognition Expert of the Year went to Woonsocket Police Detective Jason
Berthelette. The School Resource Officer of the Year went to Burrillville
Police Patrolman David Beauchemin. The Community Outreach Award went to
Cranston Police Department of Community Outreach.
The Statewide Prosecutor of
the Year is Assistant Attorney General Steve Regine. The State Victim Services
award went to Ana Giron, Office of the Attorney General. Emergency Services
awards were given to Westerly Hospital Emergency Department Nursing Staff and
South County Hospital Emergency Department. And the Educator award went to Nicole
Brown of LaSalle Academy.
“These individuals have been right on the front lines in preventing and
stopping drunk driving, so creating an opportunity to showcase their efforts is
extremely important,” Creamer said.
“The cultural environment around drunken
driving has changed significantly since MADD started in 1980. The numbers of
drunken driving crashes and related injuries and fatalities are still alarming,
and that is unacceptable. Providing more awareness for both adults and youth
continues to be needed. With all of the alternatives, such as public
transportation, ride sharing or a designated driver, there is no excuse for
someone getting behind the wheel while impaired.”