Hollister Police Officer Johnny Garcia received a MADD Hero Award on Saturday after he racked up 79 driving under the influence arrests in 2014.
The total was “one of the higher ones in the state,” remarked Hollister Police Chief David Westrick of the recognition given by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization.
“For me, it’s kind of good and bad,” Westrick said. “What it tells me is there’s more people out there that are not getting the message that driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous things you can actually do. It affects you and the people around you. I’m also happy my staff is dedicated to find as many possible ways to get them off the roadway.”
Part of the success this past year—the department as a whole had 302 DUI arrests last year compared with 156 the year prior—was a grant received and used toward DUI enforcement, the chief said.
On top of Garcia’s honor, there will be a local event this coming weekend to recognize six officers for DUI efforts.
