Trophy Club, Texas (August 11, 2021) - One Trophy Club police officer received a special recognition during the 2021 North Texas Affiliate Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Award presentation on August 11, 2021. Due to COVID-19 precautions, only nominees were allowed in attendance at the ceremony, however, it was broadcast live on Facebook Live for all to see. Officer Kenneth "Trey" Richardson received the Enforcement Hero Award, which honors dedication to DWI enforcement.
MADD created the Enforcement Hero Award for individuals who have done outstanding work in the enforcement of DWI/DUI in their area. Not only demonstrating high arrest numbers, but also acting as leaders and motivators to their teams to help make an impact on reducing alcohol-related death and injury on Texas roads.
Trophy Club Police Chief Patrick Arata called Officer Richardson an easy choice for the honor. “He does outstanding work,” Chief Arata said. “His compassion, communication, and dedicated hardwork combating intoxicated drivers … goes above and beyond. He especially makes victims and their families a priority, day and night.”
Officer Richardson always knew that he wanted to give back. For Richardson, giving back is influencing change for the better, making the department and the community better.
“My goal since becoming a police officer is to serve my community with kindness and humanize police officers,” Officer Richardson says. “I want people to see my kindness as a reflection of the badge that I wear. I’m inspired everyday to treat people the way I would want my family to be treated.”
Officer Richardson has been in the Trophy Club Police Department for four years and has taken his role and responsibility very seriously.
“I’ve always wanted to be in a position where I can help people,” Officer Richardson says. “DUI’s are a preventable crime,” Richardson says, “If we can educate people better, I think drivers would be more likely to be held accountable for their actions, and fewer would drive impaired.”
According the Trophy Club Police Department, over 49 DWI arrests were made during the 2020 calendar year. Officer Richardson made 63 percent of those arrests. By increasing his knowledge on by researching incidents, case law, and trainings related to drunk driving, Officer Richardson is ensuring the entire town is safer.
“This award means a lot to me because it shines a good light on my department. I want people to see myself and my fellow officers doing great things in the Trophy Club community,” Officer Richardson says. “I work with some of the BEST police officers out there and my successes reflect their hard work as well. I’m lucky to work for such a great town and even greater people.”
Mayor Fleury praised Officer Richardson for his passion and energy for his work. “We are incredibly proud of Officer Richardson and the whole department,” Mayor Fleury said. “Officer Richardson is a perfect example of how police officers can do their jobs effectively and professionally, but also with a kind heart.”
In addition to receiving the MADD award, Richardson is slated to earn his DRE Certification at the end of the month. DRE stands for Drug Recognition Expert, and an officer must have successfully completed an approved course in the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFSTs) before beginning the three-phase Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) Program. Once complete, Richardson will be one of approximately 400 Police Officers that are DRE in Texas (there are approximately 70,000 officers total in the State of Texas as a whole).
Congrats to Officer Richardson in all of the amazing things he is doing! Trophy Club is VERY lucky to have him on our team!
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