HomeMy WebLinkAboutDWI All-Stars 2022Contact: Lauren Siebenaler, Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-833-9537 • LSiebenaler@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Five Edina Police Officers Named DWI All-Stars
Edina, Minn., Nov. 15, 2022 – Five officers of the Edina Police Department were recently recognized as among the best in the state at stopping drunk driving, earning DWI All-Star recognition
from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS).
Police Officers Chad Anderson, Ryan Banaszewski, John Greene and Jaren Zech and Sgt. Jake Heckert were recognized. Banaszewski and Zech were also recipients of the honor in 2021.
“The Edina Police Department takes DWI enforcement very seriously because we have seen the impact impaired driving can have on traffic safety,” said Sgt. Nate Mendel. “Our officers’
continued diligence in DWI enforcement helps to keep the driving public safer.”
“They’re keeping Edina and the entire state safer,” said OTS Law Enforcement Liaison Bill Hammes. “Drunk drivers might be passing through Edina on their way to Duluth, and they get them
off the road while passing through Edina. [Enforcement is] good for the whole state. There is a possibility someone got to go home to their family that night who might not have otherwise.
That’s what this is all about.”
Between October 2020 and October 2022, Edina officers made 445 DWI-related arrests. These arrests include driving while intoxicated and ignition interlock violations. Edina had the most
nominations for the DWI All Star recognition than any other municipal or sheriff’s office.
“397 people in Minnesota have been killed in traffic crashes compared to 447 people at this time last year,” said Hammes. “We’re starting to trend back in the right direction. That’s
about 50 families who might have a better Christmas.”
For more information on the Edina Police Department, visit EdinaMN.gov/Police.
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