Indiana Honored Public Safety Officers

The state recognized 96 public safety members for their efforts in impaired driving enforcement and prevention.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Awards

Screen-print poster illustration showing orange traffic safety cones and a road marker, evoking a sense of Indiana highway safety efforts.
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute honored 96 public safety officers for their efforts in preventing impaired driving and improving road safety. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute recently honored 96 members of the public safety community for their dedication to impaired driving enforcement. The ceremony highlighted significant individual contributions toward keeping state roads safer.

Why it matters

The awards highlight officers who lead in impaired driving prevention through overtime patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and community outreach. These efforts have contributed to three consecutive years of declining traffic fatalities involving impaired drivers across the state.

A total of 96 public safety members received honors for their 2025 performance. Law enforcement across the state collectively recorded more than 4,300 OWI arrests throughout that year.

The players

Indiana Criminal Justice Institute

This state agency oversees criminal justice policy and manages public safety grant programs throughout Indiana.

Aidan Baker

An Indiana State Trooper based in Lake County who led the state in impaired driving arrests in 2025.

Brandon Love

An Indiana State Trooper serving in Ripley County who was recognized for his 2025 OWI enforcement work.

Dave McVoy

A law enforcement officer recently inducted into the Indiana Traffic Safety Hall of Fame.

Matthew Schofield

A police chief honored for his service with an induction into the Indiana Traffic Safety Hall of Fame.

The details

Award recipients were recognized for their commitment to removing impaired drivers from the road through consistent patrol work and community engagement. The event specifically celebrated high-performing officers, including those inducted into the Indiana Traffic Safety Hall of Fame for their career-long leadership.

Timeline

  1. 2025: Award winners demonstrated performance metrics in OWI enforcement.

  2. September 25, 2026: The Traffic Safety All-Star Awards ceremony took place.

Culture Shift

This ceremony reinforces the broader societal commitment to road safety in Indiana. It aligns with the state's downward trend in traffic fatalities involving impaired drivers, marking a successful shift in enforcement culture.

Residents may see an increase in visibility for sobriety checkpoints and community safety initiatives as these recognized officers continue their work. These enforcement efforts are designed to directly enhance physical safety on local roads and highways.

The takeaway

The sustained decline in impaired driving fatalities underscores the impact of consistent, high-frequency enforcement. Residents can support these efforts by utilizing designated drivers and planning for safe transportation during social outings.

Further reading

For more information on state recognition and safety initiatives, visit the Indiana Awards section.