GLEN BURNIE, MD (October 27, 2025) – More than 70 law enforcement officers from 29 state, county and local police agencies were recently recognized for their commitment to enforcing Maryland’s impaired driving laws.
The annual Impaired Driving Law Enforcement Awards, hosted by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MVA) Highway Safety Office (MHSO) and the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), took place Saturday, October 18, in Towson. The event celebrated officers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by impaired driving. The combined efforts of law enforcement officers statewide resulted in more than 11,750 arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in 2024.
“The Maryland Department of Transportation proudly supports our law enforcement partners and their tireless efforts to protect our communities,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “Every impaired driving crash is preventable. These officers’ dedication to impaired driving prevention and education reflects Maryland’s shared commitment to saving lives.”
During the ceremony, officers were recognized for their proactive role in identifying and removing impaired drivers from Maryland’s roads. The event also recognized officers for DUI enforcement – including six who made more than 100 arrests each:
- Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Christian Lucente (105 arrests);
- Maryland State Police Trooper First Class Nathaniel Hitch (100 arrests);
- Maryland State Police Trooper First Class Idrissa Riba Tankari (104 arrests);
- Maryland State Police Trooper First Class Logan Speak (117 arrests);
- Maryland Transportation Authority Police Officer II Justin Insley (123 arrests); and
- Gaithersburg Police Department Officer Michael Camp (108 arrests).
Officials also thanked officers who serve as Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). These officers are trained in a scientifically validated method to identify people whose driving is impaired by drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol. The following officers conducted more than 15 DRE evaluations:
- Harford County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Christopher Henize;
- Maryland State Police Corporal William Mott;
- Maryland State Police Senior Trooper Shawn Matthews; and
- Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department Officer II Stewart Fountain.
First Sergeant Jeffrey Choma of the Maryland State Police was honored as Maryland’s DRE of the Year, recognizing his dedication to outstanding performance in the Maryland DRE program and continuing effort to educate officers on the removal of drug-impaired drivers from our roads.
For his dedication and passion for safety enforcement, Officer Michael Camp of the Gaithersburg Police Department was named the recipient of the Noah Leotta Memorial Award. The award honors Officer Noah Leotta, a Montgomery County Police Officer who tragically lost his life in 2015 after being struck by an impaired driver while on a holiday DUI patrol.
“Maryland’s law enforcement officers are on the front line of our state’s fight against impaired driving,” said Kurt Erickson, President of WRAP. “Their dedication, compassion, and courage in promoting safe and sober roads make a lasting difference in every community.” Maryland’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards are supported by a grant from MHSO to WRAP.
Over the past five years, Maryland has experienced more than 30,850 crashes involving drivers impaired by drugs and/or alcohol, resulting in 845 deaths and 13,333 injuries. In addition to high-visibility impaired driving enforcement operations throughout the year, the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office runs an educational campaign called “Be the SOBER Driver” and “Be the MAKE A PLAN Driver” to encourage everyone to have a safe ride home.
These efforts are part of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Serious About Safety campaign, a coordinated initiative emphasizing the shared responsibility of every driver, passenger, and pedestrian to make safe choices on the road. Together with law enforcement and community partners, the Maryland Department of Transportation is committed to building a culture of safety and accountability across the state.
Learn more about the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office at ZeroDeathsMD.gov or on Facebook, X and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD.
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