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Not often enough do the people enforcing the law get acknowledgement for their work. The day in and day out efforts of local deputies and police officers happen without much fanfare...until the latter part of July, and the annual MADD Recognition Banquet and Awards Ceremony.

The local Mothers Against Drunk Driving or MADD group decided a few years ago that DUI enforcement efforts in this area needed to be applauded. It started with a couple of departments participating, and last week eight departments were represented at the event.

The group photo is taken in front of the MADD quilt memorializing victims of accidents resulting from drivers operating vehicles while under the influence.

Speaking for MADD, North Branch resident John Barney said these officers may easily have saved more than one life by bringing a drunk or drugged driver off the road.

Barney said there were 752 DUI arrests in the last year between officers working Isanti and Chisago counties. The new underage consumption crackdown has netted some 68 citations in two months.

MADD also hosts substance-free teen dances to give kids something to do.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the local chapter or wishing more information about events, can contact MADD’s home offices in the Twin Cities or call 651-674-0660.

Local officers receiving awards for their DUI enforcement efforts pictured, are: the Isanti County Sheriff’s Department and the Wyoming Police Department (Chief Mike Temte and Officer Lance Beardsley attending); and individuals recognized were North Branch Officer Dan Meyer; Chisago City’s Jim Varco and Jen Knutson; Lindstrom Officer Mike Delmont; Cambridge Officer Jenni Caulk; Braham Officer Dustin Noreen and Isanti Officer Rod Barrows. Chisago County Deputies receiving awards are Ron Butcher, Jeff Wessel and Jay Helin.

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