Jeffrey Lewis of the Police Department has been honored, for the third year in a row at the state level, by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his efforts in enforcing the law against driving under the influence.
“It’s nice to be rewarded for something you are doing,” Lewis said.
The ceremony in Sacramento included members of the California legislature.
They awarded Lewis with a plaque and a reward for his uniform.
“The best part about the ceremony was seeing actual victims of drunken driving,” Lewis said. “They would come up to me and say thank you. Their lives have been changed because of the consequences of drunk driving and they were very appreciative.”
Lewis was honored for going above and beyond what’s normally expected, according to the requirements by MADD.
“Not only did I have a high DUI arrest rate, but I also train officers and always make sure the equipment is working properly,” Lewis said.
Lewis said that EC has been like a family to him and that his dad also works here.
“I started as a cadet and after several other positions, I came back to EC,” Lewis said.
Cadet Aaron Bradley, criminal justice major said that it is a privilege to work under Lewis and that it’s good to have him as a mentor. “That’s being a good role model,” Bradley said.
Lewis said that it’s very rewarding to help someone from doing something horrible.
Every spring the department organizes an awareness fair designed to highlight the dangers of drinking and driving.
Lewis said that he loves working with those programs and he thinks the department could save a lot of lives.
“I’m impressed and I feel privileged to have such a great officer as a part of EC police,” Nasooha Junaidean, Global Studies major said. “It shows how focused our department is and I feel safe knowing a great department is looking out for us.”