Carson cop gets DUI award from MADD

A Carson City deputy will be among 11 others honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving during a ceremony today in Reno.

Deputy Chris Rivera will receive a plaque recognizing that he made the most drunken driving arrests out of any other deputy within the Carson City Sheriff's Department in 2004.

"We want to focus on law enforcement being out there on patrol and apprehending these suspected DUI offenders," said Laurel Stadler, MADD president.The ceremony will take place from 10-10:30 a.m. at the National Automobile Museum, Gallery 4, 10 S. Lake St., Reno. Today's event is the second such ceremony honoring law enforcement officers.

Stadler said today also marks the kickoff of MADD's Tie One On For Safety campaign, which encourages holiday drivers to tie a silver ribbon to their antennas as a symbol of their pledge to drive safely. Stadler said the campaign generally uses red ribbons, but this year's silver ribbon signifies MADD's 25th anniversary.

According to MADD, Nevada saw a significant reduction in alcohol-related fatalities from 182 in 2003, to 152 in 2004.

"We must still be diligent in reminding the public to drive safe and sober during the holidays," Stadler said.

n Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.