INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) recently honored 21 police officers for reducing drug-impaired driving. One of the 21 officers is Jennings County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Garrett Hoppock.
The officers are a part of the state’s Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program that trains officers to recognize drivers who are under the influence of drugs. DREs are often called to assist with traffic stops to help keep impaired drivers off the road.
NHL Legend Stu Grimson, whose father was in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, spoke at the ceremony, showing his appreciation for the work officers do.
The 2023 DRE of the Year Award, named after fallen Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer David Moore, was presented to Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Casey Lehman. Moore’s mother, Jo Moore, was on hand to help present the award.
Jasper County Sheriff’s Department’s Deputy Heather Hollister received the 2023 DRE Instructor of the Year Award, named in memory of Indiana State Police Lieutenant Gary Dudley.
The DRE Performance Award went to Benton County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Paden Clements. The honor is given to the officer who performed the most DRE stops in the previous year.
