Morristown Officers Recognized for Service

Some might say it's part of their job, but the combined 98 DUI arrests by three Morristown police officers in 2010 is more than that.

That was the message from Patricia Scrudato-Tsibros, volunteer victims advocate through Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which presented certificates of appreciation to officers Adam Khoudja, Joseph Heuneman and Anthony O'Brien during Tuesday night's Town Council meeting.

"Everyday, these officers place themselves in harm's way when they place themselves before drivers under the influence," Scrudato-Tsibros said. "The paycheck alone is not enough. They have devotion, integrity, faith in the law and love for their community. How do you put a price tag on that?"

In 2010, the last year total DUI arrests have been recorded, O'Brien and Heuneman each conducted 39 DUI arrests. Khoudja, a part-time officer before he also is actively in the military, recorded 20 DUI arrests.

"A DUI arrest is very unpredictable and can be extremely dangerous," Scrudato-Tsibros said. "These men are a crucial link in a preventable and senseless crime.

"Always remember, you matter greatly to all of us," she added.