Novato Police Officer Earns Award from MADD

officer Nick Berg was one of 170 officers and law enforcement agencies recently recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving California for their work and dedication to eliminate drunk driving.

The 14th annual MADD California Statewide Law Enforcement and Community Recognition event — “Celebrate California Heroes” — took place at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento in June. MADD National President Jan Withers recognized people who have gone "beyond the call of duty" to combat drunk driving, educate the public on the effects of this violent crime and done their part in maintaining safer roadways and communities, according to a MADD release.

More than 600 people were in attendance from 53 of California’s 58 counties, to see officers recognized as top enforcers in the state for DUI laws.

Berg, in his second year on the Novato force, is a drug recognition expert and field training officer. He has advanced training in DUI enforcement and has attended standard field sobriety test training.

His nomination mentioned that he is a "motivated officer whose efforts in identifying and arresting impaired driver's prove valuable to the City of Novato.  Officer Berg has devoted countless hours above and beyond his normal work schedule in an effort to prepare for courtroom testimony and the successful prosecution of DUI offenders. (He) leads by example and has dedicated himself to reducing impaired driving."

Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking.  MADD also supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every nine minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD-HELP.  Learn more at www.madd.org or by calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.