New Prairie student Tyler Bowen (holding plaque) is pictured with LaPorte County Drug Free Partnership Board members and his parents. Tyler was recognized for his extensive work with the coalition’s Lead and Seed program.
Photos and story by Mike Kellems
(Click on photos to enlarge)
The LaPorte County Drug Free Partnership recognized community members’ efforts to fight alcohol and drug abuse during its annual awards ceremony Oct. 1, 2014, at Portofino restaurant. The awards are given in gratitude to those involved in drug treatment, prevention and enforcement.
Michigan City Police Officer Michael McLemore receives a certificate from the LPCDFP’s Ameenah Starks recognizing his 16 arrests for OWI in 2013.
Tyler Bowen, an eighth grader at New Prairie, was named Youth Leader of the Year for his work during the past three years. Tyler has an impressive resume of activities and efforts toward reducing drug use and making students aware of the danger of drugs and alcohol abuse. He has created public service announcements that run on local radio stations, has served on youth leadership summits, and is a leader in the Lead and Seed Youth Coalition.
Officers from four local police departments were recognized for their enforcement efforts in combating impaired driving. A total of 613 arrests were made for operating while intoxicated in 2013; the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department led the group with 157 arrests, followed closely by LaPorte Police with 154. Michigan City Police made 142 OWI arrests in 2013.
Other awardees: New Prairie Schools Counselor Ruth Trujillo was recognized for her work in prevention, Bonnie Schaaf was given an award for her efforts in the justice system, New Prairie Middle School was recognized for its Youth Coalition, and awards for Dedicated Service were given to the Swanson Center and First United Methodist Church.
Local police officers recognized for their efforts to get impaired drivers off the road: (from left) State Trooper Jeff Council, LaPorte Police Sgt. Scott Aftowski, Michigan City Police Patrolman Michael McLemore, LaPorte Police Officer Victor Splix, MCPD Patrolman Kyle Shiparski, MCPD Patrolman Kevin Urbanczyk, LaPorte Police Officer Michael McCormack, and LaPorte Police Officer Trent Mamazza.