Rutherford County, TN – Murfreesboro Police Officer Joseph Roberts was recently awarded the MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Hero Award for his outstanding work in DUI enforcement, achieving 85 DUI arrests in 2023. The award was presented to Officer Roberts during a luncheon on Friday, with several other Murfreesboro Police Department officers also receiving recognition from the national organization for their dedicated service. Roberts was the only officer present to accept the honor on Friday.

MADD annually honors law enforcement officers across Tennessee who excel in keeping impaired drivers off the roads, focusing on DUI arrests and roadside safety. Each year, awards are presented at the MADD Tennessee Statewide Night of Remembrance and Awards Ceremony, an event that not only celebrates the achievements of officers but also honors victims of substance-impaired driving and underage drinking. Alongside law enforcement, MADD recognizes the contributions of first responders, prosecutors, probation officers, and volunteers who support the mission of ending impaired driving.

The "Hero Award," one of MADD's most prestigious recognitions, is given to an officer with a strong commitment to MADD’s mission who also holds a record number of DUI arrests. Officer Roberts has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the cause, consistently working to make the roads safer for Rutherford County residents.

Later this month, on November 19, MADD volunteers will gather on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for a moving candlelight event to honor victims and raise awareness about anti-drunk driving technology. MADD reports that 10,000 candles will be lit in remembrance of lives lost and transformed by drunk driving, symbolizing the number of lives that could be saved with advanced anti-drunk driving technology in vehicles. The gathering aims to inspire continued work toward a future free from impaired driving tragedies.

The anti-drunk driving technology could include sensors in the steering wheel or ignition switch, which could utilize near-infrared lights to detect alcohol levels through the driver’s skin. A breath sensor would assess alcohol content from the driver’s exhalation, while cameras could track eye movements to detect signs of impairment. The NHTSA is focusing on "passive" technologies, which differ from traditional breathalyzer devices commonly mandated for DUI offenders.