Photo: Sheriff's Office recognized for anti-DWI efforts

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office was recently awarded a “Law Enforcement Agency Award” by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) New York State, and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for its efforts in deterring drunk diving.

During 2010, officers of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office made 202 DWI arrests, checked 60 establishments for sales to minors and charged more than 500 individuals with illegal possession of alcohol at Darien Lake. The Sheriff’s Office also conducted Sobriety Checkpoints and DWI Saturation Patrols throughout the year.

The Sheriff’s Office participates with community partners in the “Underage Drinking Task Force,” which consists of representatives from law enforcement, school administrations, the county manager’s office, and alcohol treatment and prevention organizations in an effort to address concerns with underage drinking. Not only does this task force educate those under the age of 21 but also the parents.

Also during 2010, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office instructed 337 students in the D.A.R.E. Program and taught them the ramifications of alcohol abuse.

The award was presented to Sheriff Gary T. Maha, center photo, Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble, left, and Genesee County STOP- DWI Coordinator Frank Ciaccia during an awards luncheon held in Schenectady on Nov. 15. Several individual officers from various law enforcement across the state were also recognized, along with two other law enforcement agencies.