Pinecrest, Fla. – Pinecrest Police Officer Edison Cruz was recognized for the second consecutive year by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his unparalleled commitment in the fight against impaired driving.
On June 4, Officer Cruz was recognized for his commitment to Driving Under the Influence (DUI) enforcement and was named Agency Top “Cop” DUI Officer.
Last year he was awarded MADD’s top recognition, the Robbie Smith Award, named after Trooper Robert Glenn Smith who was killed in the line of duty and was known for his relentless commitment to DUI enforcement.
Through his dedication and perseverance, in 2013 Officer Cruz became Pinecrest’s first Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) in more than 10 years. Officer Cruz manages the department’s DUI program which led to 86 arrests in 2013 – a 43 percent increase from 2012. Officer Cruz made 53 of the 86 arrests.
Officer Cruz’s efforts go beyond enforcing DUI laws. He has also taken measures to educate the public. During the 2013 holiday season, he coordinated a DUI education program where several businesses allowed Pinecrest Police to post DUI campaign materials in their store fronts. He funded the printing of the DUI posters and a banner, and arranged for a local printing company to donate design and printing services for 5000 DUI flyers.