Award Presentation: Officer Michael Verwey of the Lacey Township Department is the recipient of the 2014 Kimberly Smith-Ames DWI Prevention Award for his distinguished and consistent efforts in DWI enforcement. Officer Verwey has been recognized as a standout among his peers in law enforcement throughout Ocean County. The Kimberly Smith-Ames DWI Prevention Award is presented annually by the Ocean County Police Traffic Officer’s Association to one officer in recognition of that officer’s diligent and consistent efforts to combat the dangers of impaired driving.
Officer Michael Verwey transferred to the Lacey Township Police Department on November 14, 2013, and has truly been an asset to Lacey Township in his first year in the uniformed patrol division. Receiving the Kimberly Smith-Ames DWI Prevention Award is truly an honor for Officer Verwey, and it brings pride and honor to the Lacey Township Police Department as a whole. The Lacey Township Police Department now has the distinct honor of having two dedicated officers receive the award for two consecutive years, as Officer Dimitrios Tsarnas was the 2013 recipient. This is a testament to the dedication the officers of the Lacey Township Police Department have in keeping the roadways of the township as safe as possible for all. Given the highly publicized tragedies related to impaired driving throughout the county this past year, diligent DWI enforcement must continue to be a priority in the year to come. – Chief David A. Paprota, Ed.D.
The Kimberly Smith-Ames DWI Prevention Award (History): On October 7, 1998, Kimberly Smith-Ames was killed at the age of 23 by an extremely reckless intoxicated driver in Beachwood. The tragic accident not only claimed her life, but also the life of her unborn child. The award was created by Edward and Carol Smith in memory of their daughter Kimberly to honor the hard work and determination of an Ocean County police officer who has demonstrated a strong commitment toward the effort to stop drunk driving.