Mendham Police Officer Honored For Combating Drunk Driving

MENDHAM, NJ — A Mendham Borough police officer was honored last month for their efforts to get drivers who are impaired or intoxicated off the roads.

Sergeant Patrick McNichol was invited to attend the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Awards Ceremony at Rutgers University on June 22, where they recognized members of law enforcement throughout New Jersey who have displayed exemplary efforts in the fight to eliminate impaired driving.

McNichol was among the officers and first responders honored.

According to the Mendham Borough Police Department, the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Top Cop Award for Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluations in New Jersey was presented to McNichol for performing the highest number of DRE evaluations in the state.

"On behalf of Chief Camoia and the entire Mendham Borough Police Department, we are immensely proud of Sgt. McNichol for being recognized for his outstanding efforts in keeping roadways and communities safe from impaired drivers," the police department said.

McNichol has been a DRE for over 20 years and has performed over 600 DRE evaluations. He is still the Morris County DRE Coordinator, the Treasurer of the NJ DRE Association, and the At-Large Eastern Region IACP TAP Representative.

McNichol is still active in training new DREs in New Jersey and surrounding states as needed, the police department said.

The non-profit Mothers Against Drunk Driving's purpose is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking, its website says.

"Their work, along with the work of law enforcement throughout New Jersey, has kept our roads, streets, and highways safe by stopping impaired drivers," the Morris County Prosecutor's Office said.

New Jersey motorists are considered in violation of the law if they have a blood alcohol content level of.08 percent or higher.