In addition to recognizing top law enforcement efforts in each department, the STOP-DWi office also took time to present its Community Service Award as well as the Ryan Parks Outstanding Enforcement Officer Memorial Award. While off-duty, Officer Parks was killed on his motorcycle by a drunk driver in 2004. A member of his family spoke to the gathering and encouraged all present to continue to be vigilante in the effort to remove impaired drivers from our roads.
Also in attendance was State Senator James Seward (51st Senate District) who also addressed the crowd and spoke about the state's efforts to continue to combat impaired driving. More than 8,000 people die every year in New York in alcohol related crashes.
