Oneida County STOP-DWI Program Announces Law Enforcement…

Oneida County STOP-DWI Program Announces Law Enforcement Award Winners

UTICA — The Oneida County STOP-DWI Program announced its Law Enforcement Award winners today at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica.

“We are happy to recognize the law enforcement agencies of Oneida County for the outstanding work they do to keep our roadways safe from those driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “Our officers and deputies save countless lives every day and we can’t thank them enough for their hard work and dedication.”

The event — which is sponsored by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Foundation (OCSLEF) — honors individual officers for their commitment to the STOP-DWI mission. It was the 27th iteration of the recognition breakfast.

“The Oneida County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Foundation is proud to sponsor the Oneida County STOP-DWI Recognition Breakfast as we say thank you to everyone being honored here today for their efforts to keep drunk drivers off of Oneida County’s roadways,” said Sheriff Robert Maciol, who also serves as chairman of the OCSLEF.

Awarded the Joseph Corr Outstanding DWI Law Enforcement Award for their efforts in 2023, were:

Officer Joseph Aiello of the Utica Police Department

Officer Zachary Correnti of the Yorkville Police Department

Deputy Steven Eilers of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office

Patrolman Zachary Hadasz of the Rome Police Department

Trooper Cody Stewart of the New York State Police

Officer Austin Szkotak of the New York Mills Police Department

Officer Robert Cornish of the New Hartford Police Department

The overarching goal of the STOP-DWI Program is to reduce instances of impaired driving. In 2023, 121 total impairment-related crashes occurred in Oneida County, which resulted in nine fatalities. More than 650 tickets were issued to impaired drivers.

“This event is a way for us to show our sincere appreciation for how diligently our local law enforcement members work to support the STOP-DWI mission and keep our roadways safe for all,” said Oneida County STOP-DWI Coordinator Eric Townsend.