Today, Sheriff Joe Roybal and El Paso County Sheriff's Office members attended the 17th Annual Ken Jordan Awards Ceremony in recognition of law enforcement personnel in the Pikes Peak region who have achieved excellence in DUI enforcement.
This award ceremony is named in honor of fallen Colorado Springs Police Officer Ken Jordan, who was shot and killed during a traffic contact with a drunk driver in December of 2006.
The Ken Jordan Award for Excellence in DUI Enforcement is presented to a law enforcement officer who has demonstrated outstanding achievement regarding impaired driving enforcement. The Pikes Peak DUI Task Force created the award to honor Jordan's life and acknowledge individual peers who put in extra effort to prevent drunk driving in their communities.
This year's nominees for the 2024 Ken Jordan Award were El Paso County Sheriff's Office Deputy Joshua Offutt, Colorado State Patrol Trooper Dominic Montoya, Colorado Springs Police Department Officer Gregory Campbell, Colorado Springs Police Department Officer Matthew Hood, Colorado Springs Police Department Officer John Parisi, and Colorado Springs Police Department Officer Steven Savell.
Colorado Springs Police Officer John Parisi received the Ken Jordan Award.
This year's 2024 Career Achievement nominees were: El Paso County Sheriff's Office Reserve Deputy Mark Silverstein and Colorado Springs Police Department Commander Patrick David.
Because of their extensive service, and the hundreds of lives saved because of their work, both El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy Mark Silverstein, and Colorado Springs Police Department Commander Patrick David received the 2024 Career Achievement Award.
"I thank Deputies Offutt and Silverstein and all this year's nominees for the critical service they provide to our community and their unwavering dedication to keeping drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the roads of El Paso County safe,” said Sheriff Joe Roybal. “Our Traffic Unit works proactively, day and night, during weekends and holidays, addressing a multitude of traffic safety concerns in our community, in particular targeting DUI enforcement.
"For far too long, El Paso County has been ranked number one in the state of Colorado for traffic deaths, a fact we are not proud of. However, because of the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, including education and enforcement, this number is steadily shrinking.
"Across El Paso County, we are sending a message to drivers: pay attention, follow posted speed limits and traffic laws, and never drive while impaired.
"Congratulations to this year's nominees and award recipients. And sincere thanks to the Pikes Peak DUI Task Force and our law enforcement partners across Colorado, for their work in recognizing these very deserving individuals."