A Murray Police officer is being recognized for his efforts in stopping incidences of drunk driving.
Officer Blake Maness was presented an award at the annual Governor's Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards ceremony in Lexington.
Awards go to officers with the most impaired-driving arrests in each agency.
“We are honoring those who put their lives on the line each day to save the lives of others,” said Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Executive Director Noelle Hunter. “These officers, their departments and agencies render a great service for all Kentuckians, and on behalf of Governor Matt Bevin, we say thank you.”
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Richard Sanders commended the aggressive enforcement and awareness efforts.
“Impaired driving is one of the deadliest crimes in this nation and it impacts thousands of innocent lives every day,” said Sanders. “Today is more than just receiving an award. It is about saving lives and that is what each of you do every time you arrest an impaired driver.”
Last year, more than 5,900 crashes involving alcohol and/or drugs in Kentucky resulted in more than 3,100 injuries and 162 fatalities.
The KOHS, Kentucky State Police and other law enforcement agencies are partnering for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday enforcement campaign Dec.15, 2016, through Jan. 1, 2017. The campaign is funded through NHTSA, which says high-visibility enforcement reduces impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent.
