INFORMATION #3 04-02-2007
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jeffrey A. Beahen, Police Chief
DATE: April 2, 2007
SUBJECT: Statewide MADD Awards
Last Wednesday, March 21, 2007, I had the pleasure of attending the Statewide Mothers
Against Drunk Driver's Ceremony (MAD D) in Bloomington. Two of our officers received
awards at this annual ceremony for their efforts in DWI enforcement.
Officer Todd Erickson made it a personal goal in 2006 to stricdy enforce DWI laws. Of the
department's 274 DWI arrest in 2006, Officer Erickson was responsible for 131 arrests-
almost half of the department's total for the entire year. He received a MADD
commendation for his diligence and attention to duty.
Sgt. Jeffrey Mordal has been the Safe and Sober Coordinator for departments in Sherburne
County since the mid-90's. During that period of time has he written Safe and Sober grants
for all agencies within Sherburne County, and as a result of these successful grants, these
agencies have received over $500,000 in funding to help make our roadways safer.
This commitment has resulted in over 14,000 hours of additional, dedicated patrol time
enforcing DWI and seatbelt laws on our local roadways. Jeffs commitment does not end
there. He follows through with all grant required paperwork and is often commended by the
State and Federal grant officials for his accurate and prompt reporting.
He is also tenacious in related grant requirements, putting out multiple news releases,
sponsors training, conducts open houses and public forums and insures that conferences
and press conferences are well attended.
He is dedicated to the cause, and through his guidance and leadership, multiple departments
have beneftted and our roadways have become safer for those who work and reside in our
community.
Sgt. Mordal was awarded the Statewide Community Award which was given to just one
public safety representative.
It was announced that through our continued grant successes, we will no longer have to sit
out the Safe and Sober grant process every three years as previously required. We can now
apply for the grant every year.