-- Mary A. Castillo Officers recognized in...

-- Mary A. Castillo

Officers recognized in fight against DUI

Mothers Against Drunk Driving presented the annual Deuce awards to

five Laguna Beach officers for getting impaired drivers off the

streets.

“I’m proud to say that I’m back again,” said Bob Marlowe,

volunteer law enforcement liaison with MADD, as he addressed the

council at its Tuesday meeting.

He commended Chief James Spreine for creating an atmosphere for

all officers to effectively save lives. Last year the department

recorded 247 DUI arrests.

In 2001, two people were killed and 12 were injured in car crashes

that involved at least one driver who had been drinking, Marlowe

said. MADD’s goal is to get those numbers to zero.

Sgt. George Ramos was recognized for 25 DUI arrests last year;

Sgt. Charles Miller for 27; Officer Patricia Etemadi for 28 and Sgt.

Jenny Jones for 27. Officer Tom White was honored as the top officer

in Laguna Beach for 55 arrests.

“Look at these people,” Marlowe said. “If you’ve been drinking and

get in your car you’ll see them again.”