Community and law enforcement unite as over 140 gather to recognize outstanding contributions to traffic safety across Monroe County

Monroe County, New York – In a grand celebration of commitment and service, the 2025 STOP-DWI & Traffic Safety Board Awards Luncheon unfolded on a clear Wednesday, March 26, at the scenic Shadow Lake Golf and Racquet Club. The annual event, highly anticipated within Monroe County, gathered over 140 individuals who share a common dedication to enhancing road safety. This gathering of minds was not just a ceremony but a reaffirmation of the community’s resolve to combat unsafe driving practices.

The luncheon was kicked off with a warm welcome from Richard V. Tantalo, Monroe County’s Director of Public Safety. His opening remarks set the tone for an afternoon dedicated to recognizing those who go beyond their call of duty to ensure the safety of roadways.

Following him, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, took the stage to express his gratitude and continued support for the traffic safety initiatives. The keynote address delivered by ADA Merrick Sadler, Chief of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau at Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, highlighted the significant strides made in vehicular crime prevention and the critical role of community involvement in these efforts.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of various prestigious awards. Deputy Gerald Ludwig from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was honored with the Top Cop Award, a testament to his all-rounded commitment to impaired driving prevention through education, arrests, and training. The Jim Pond Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Ronald Hinz from Learn 2 Ride, Inc., recognizing his over two decades of service on the Monroe County Traffic Safety Board.

The Traffic Safety Board Community Service Awards were presented to a diverse group of recipients who demonstrated extraordinary commitment in their roles. This included Lieutenant Stephen Sinaguglia from the Irondequoit Fire District, the Henrietta Fire District team, Erin Agnello from the Injury Free Coalition for Kids at URMC, and Deputy Khadija Fong of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Innovation in traffic safety was also celebrated with the Mark Tuohey Jr. Award going to Rochester City Council Member Mitch Gruber for his exceptional community-based traffic safety programs. Additionally, the Traffic Safety Board Certificates of Merit were awarded to several individuals including Officer Joice Barcellos of Brighton Police Department and Sergeant James Coughlin of the Gates Police Department, among others, who were recognized by their peers for their notable contributions to traffic safety.

The event also acknowledged departments based on the size and impact of their efforts. The STOP-DWI Agency Appreciation Awards recognized the Fairport Police Department, Webster Police Department, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for their outstanding achievements in increasing DWI/DWAI arrests relative to their agency size.

Moreover, leadership in the realm of impaired driving prevention was recognized through the Leadership Award, which celebrated officers like James Thuerck and Joseph Bonacci from the Rochester Police Department, and Deputy Michael Bentham from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, for their exemplary leadership qualities that motivate others in the fight against impaired driving.

The Coordinator’s Choice Award underscored the innovative efforts of Officer Jason Lathrop from the Rochester Police Department, spotlighting his dedication to removing impaired drivers from the roads and bolstering the overall success of Monroe County’s STOP-DWI program.

As the afternoon concluded, the community left inspired, knowing that their collective efforts are not only recognized but also crucial in driving forward the mission of safer roads. The STOP-DWI program, established in 1981 and funded by fines from impaired driving offenses, continues to prove that local initiatives are vital in addressing road safety. For those inspired to learn more or get involved, further information on Traffic Safety and STOP-DWI programs is available through Monroe County’s dedicated website. This event was a reminder of the power of community and the importance of each individual’s role in maintaining the safety and wellbeing of all road users.

More details are available here.

To learn more about our Traffic Safety and STOP-DWI programs, please visit: https://www.monroecounty.gov/ts.