Gurnee honors top traffic enforcers

Police officers who enforce traffic rules aren't often applauded by the public for their efforts. On Monday night seven Gurnee Police officers who are among the best at writing speeding tickets and arresting drunken drivers were commended at a ceremony during the village board meeting.

During the ceremony, Pamela Barnett of the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists thanked the officers and told them that she hears from DUI offenders who are grateful that officers pulled them over before they did more damage to themselves.

As part of her job, Barnett works with the victims of drunken drivers and the offenders themselves. She said the hope is that by working with the offenders they will see the error of their ways and won't drive drunk again.

Barnett said she was working with a female offender recently who asked her to seek out the officer who arrested her and thank him.

"She said 'When you see him, could you tell him that I was going down this very bad road and he stopped me,'" Barnett said. "Many more think it than say it."

Police Chief Kevin Woodside said they focus on offenses that are likely to cause accidents or likely to cause serious injuries in case of an accident, such as speeding, failure to wear seat belts and drunken driving.

"They're dedicated to that and it's nice to recognize their hard work," Woodside said. "That's why we're here to give out these awards."

For a full list of the officers who received an award visit gurnee.il.us and find the agenda for Monday's meeting.