The Erie County Stop DWI Office recently conducted the 28th Annual STOP-DWI Awards Program to recognize the top performers in DWI enforcement, prosecution and probation for their dedication to DWI prevention. Each honoree, who was nominated by their respective police chief or agency director, was selected for their persistence and vigilance in detecting impaired drivers.

“The dedication and skill of these fine officers are the foundation of Erie County’s DWI prevention effort,” said Erie County Commissioner of Central Police Services James A. Jancewicz. “It is an effort that has saved the lives of many Erie County residents by stopping drunk drivers before they hurt others and providing deterrence for those who would risk driving after drinking.“

Jancewicz further noted the rising challenge of impairment by drugs other than alcohol. “As we recognize the progress we have made in reducing alcohol traffic fatalities, we are aware of the challenge presented by impaired driving caused by prescription and illegal drugs,” said Jancewicz, citing a recent state report indicating that fatal crashes due to impairment by drugs rose 31% between 2012 and 2016.

Erie County Probation Officer Heather Malek was also recognized for outstanding supervision of chronic DWI Offenders, while Police Officer Timothy E. Sherer, this year’s outstanding officer from the Cheektowaga Police Department was also presented with a special award to note his retirement after 28 years on DWI patrol.

Others honored at the event included:

* OFFICER NATHAN A. MILLER, TOWN OF EVANS POLICE OFFICER

* BRENDAN O’HARA, EAST AURORA POLICE DEPUTY

* DAVID ZAMOREK, ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE LIEUTENANT

* ANTHONY CABER, VILLAGE OF HAMBURG POLICE OFFICER

* ADAM AGUGLIARO, VILLAGE OF KENMORE POLICE TROOPER

* DAVID MORGAN, NEW YORK STATE POLICE - A OFFICER

* DAVID STEINWANDEL, TOWN OF WEST SENECA POLICE OFFICER

* GREGORY R. SHEPPARD, TOWN OF ORCHARD PARK POLICE OFFICER

* TIMOYHY E. SHERER, CHEEKTOWAGA POLICE OFFICER

* BRIAN BURGSTAHLER, TOWN OF EDEN POLICE TROOPER

* BRANDON MOORE, NEW YORK STATE POLICE TROOP A OFFICER

* GEORGE AVERY, VILLAGE OF SPRINGVILLE POLICE OFFICER

* CORY SKOK, VILLAGE OF DEPEW POLICE OFFICER

* JULIAN R. CHINANA, TOWN OF AMHERST POLICE OFFICER

* MAXWELL RAVENELL III, BUFFALO STATE COLLEGE PATROLMAN

* DANIEL A. MCCARTHY, TOWN OF HAMBURG POLICE TROOPER

* GREGORY ARQUETTE, NEW YORK STATE POLICE TROOP A OFFICER

* STEPHEN BENTLEY, CITY OF TONAWANDA POLICE TROOPER

* JAMES D. GAINEY, NEW YORK STATE POLICE TROOP T OFFICER

* WILLIAM LAUGEMAN, TOWN OF TONAWANDA POLICE OFFICER

* ELNUR KARADZHAYEV, CITY OF BUFFALO POLICE TROOPER

* MARC A. PETERS, NEW YORK STATE POLICE TROOP T PATROLMAN

* PATRICK WOZNIAK, LACKAWANNA POLICE OFFICER

* MICHAEL GOZDALSKI, TOWN OF LANCASTER POLICE