Riverhead Police Officer Timothy Murphy made more DWI arrests in 2013 than any other cop in Suffolk County — 118 to be exact.
Murphy was honored with the “Top Cop” award by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone at a ceremony at the Suffolk County Police Academy in Brentwood. Murphy, who also earned the honor last year, has been Suffolk County’s “Top Cop” for DWI arrests numerous times. Bellone also handed out awards to the top officers for DWI arrests in every police department in the county.
“It is extremely important to us that motorists who are driving while intoxicated are stopped,” Bellone said. “DWI tragedies don’t just affect those involved, they impact the families of victims as well.”
Suffolk County police agencies made more than 5,692 arrests in 2013 and more than 15,000 DWI arrests in the past three years, according to the county executive.
In 2013, 51 people were killed in Suffolk County by the reckless behavior of drunk drivers as compared to 47 the previous year. Although DWI fatalities have declined by 56 percent since 1979, Suffolk County recognizes that many challenges remain and will continue to be vigilant, according to a press release issued by Bellone’s office.
“Suffolk County will not tolerate drunk driving on our roadways, Bellone said. “We remain committed to arresting anyone who chooses to drink and then get behind the wheel of a car, endangering the lives of others.”
“Top Cop” awards by department:
Village of Amityville- Joseph Slack
Village of East Hampton-Steven Niggles
Village of Northport- Micheael Gigante
Village of Quogue- John Galvin
Village of Southampton- Sashley Jones
Village of Westhampton- Steven McManus
Town of East Hampton -Vincent Rantinella
Town of Riverhead -Timothy Murphy
Town of Shelter Island -Christopher Drake
Town of Southampton -Carl Schottenhamel
Town of Southold -Rory Flatley
New York State -Michael P. Grosso
Suffolk County- Parks Greg Sandbichler
Suffolk County -Sheriff Brian Rasiak
SCPD 1st Precinct -David Leath
SCPD 2nd Precinct- Harry Jos
SCPD 3rd Precinct -Chris Anskat
SCPD 4th Precinct -Doug Nassisi
SCPD 5th Precinct -Jamie Bustamante
SCPD 6th Precinct -Anthony Legotti
SCPD 7th Precinct -Brandon Neal
SCPD Highway Patrol- William Murray
SCPD SAFE-T Team -Roger Kleber
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