LAKE COUNTY ? Team DUI recently received Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)”s most prestigious award. Team DUI Founder Judy Thein and members Captain Russ Perdock and Officer Adam Garcia were present April 18 to accept the “Heart of MADD” award at the 2009 California Law Enforcement and Community Recognition Dinner in Sacramento.
“Receiving this award is a milestone for our community and our county. It means that the work that Team DUI is doing is reaching beyond our county boundaries,” Thein said. “I want to thank all of our members, especially those who took time from their busy schedules to accept this award; for their service, sacrifice and their commitment to keeping our communities safe and free of drunk drivers.”
Team DUI was born through the tragic death of Thein”s daughter Kellie. Kellie had held a special place in her heart for children. In memory of her daughter”s life and legacy, Thein created Team DUI in order to teach children about the consequences of underage drinking and intoxicated driving. The team is a coalition of law enforcement, county and city officials, social service providers, educators and others who have personal experience with DUI-related incidents. The program is designed to help youth understand the consequences of their decisions.
“Team DUI is truly the Heart of MADD,” it states in the informational booklet that described the awards event. “Thanks to Thein”s and Team DUI”s effort, people in Lake County are changing the way they think regarding the responsibility and accountability when they choose to drink. Team DUI matches MADD”s mission of stopping drunk driving, supporting the victims of this violent crime and preventing underage drinking. The end result being lives changed and lives saved.”
“It was overwhelmingly exciting to receive this award. It is the most prestigious award MADD presents and to say it was an honor to receive it doesn”t quite express all the gratitude Team DUI has for this recognition,” Thein said. “The whole evening was very awe-inspiring. There were a lot of awards for very important efforts that are going on around our state. It”s very encouraging to know that so many are contributing to the safety of our communities and our youth.”
The 11th annual event was attended by more than 600 people with 158 California agencies represented including 19 sheriff”s departments, 128 police departments and nine divisions of the California Highway Patrol.
“I”m really proud of all the members of Team DUI and it was really fitting that we have outstanding members like Captain Russ Perdock and Officer Adam Garcia who were able to attend this event and represent Lake County among law enforcement agencies across the state,” Thein said. “Chief Allan McClain is also another big contributor to the successes of Team DUI. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend the event due to family issues.”
Team DUI was responsible for bringing multi-media MADD presentations into area schools last spring. Different programs were presented to high school and elementary and middle school students. MADD programs were delivered to students at all Konocti Unified elementary sites, Oak Hill Middle School, Lower Lake High School, Riviera elementary, Clear Lake High School and Terrace Middle School.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
