
EAST HAVEN – Mothers Against Drunk Driving Connecticut (MADD CT) will recognize the men and women of law enforcement, who led their departments in the fight to end impaired driving within their respective communities in 2021. MADD CT’s Law Enforcement Recognition Luncheon & Educational Symposium will be held Sep. 30 at 11 a.m. at Mohegan Sun Resort & Hotel.
In recognizing the outstanding work to End Drunk Driving and Save Lives, MADD will honor the officers that have led their respective departments’ DUI Enforcement and/or educational efforts, as well as feature the Top 10 Municipal Police Departments. The list includes Hartford, Manchester, Danbury, Meriden, Norwich, New Britain, Vernon, Groton Town, Seymour, Enfield and the Top 5 – State Police Troops – Troop H, Troop C, Troop D, Troop G and Troop K on the back of this year’s event t‑shirt.
“We are thrilled to honor the outstanding work of law enforcement across the state, for the tremendous job they do day-in and day-out to make our streets safer and free of impaired drivers. They truly are the Champions of MADD!” said Bob Garguilo, New England Region Executive Director.
Proceeds for the sale of event t‑shirts will benefit the Educational Fund that was established after the death of South Windsor Police Officer Ben Lovett, who was killed in 2021 by an alleged drunk driver. Officer Lovett was a recipient of the MADD Award in 2020 and was scheduled to receive the award again at the time of his death. The Educational Fund provides educational resources to schools, youth organizations, and community groups – free of charge. The Hoffman Auto Group is a key contributor to the fund each year.
“I want to thank Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the law enforcement honorees for their continued efforts in combating impaired driving in our state. What you do is truly heroic, and it is tremendously appreciated by CTDOT,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “I ask everyone to continue to dedicate their efforts to combat impaired driving. By continuing to work together and collaborate, our impact and reach can be made as large as possible to stop this terrible problem.”
As part of the program, a Community Service Award will be presented to East Haven’s Ferrara Elementary School for the continuous support of MADD’s mission to stop drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. East Haddam Police Officer, Jim Smith, will receive the Top Cop Award. CTDOT Deputy Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto will serve as the keynote speaker.
For more information on the Law Enforcement Recognition Luncheon, please contact Nicole at the MADD CT Office at 203 – 764-2566 or Nicole.wichowski@madd.org.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save nearly 380,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders, and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1 – 877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1 – 877-ASK-MADD.