HERKIMER, N.Y. (WKTV) - Law enforcement officials throughout Herkimer County were recognized Tuesday for cracking down on drunk drivers.

At the "Stop Driving While Intoxicated" Recognition Breakfast at Herkimer County Community College, plaques were presented to the local officers who made the most DWI arrests in their respective communities.

Officer John Scholl of the Herkimer Police Department won the top prize with 28 arrests this past year.

District Attorney Jeffrey Carpenter was the master of ceremonies and said that most of the police officers making DWI arrests work late at night and often miss out on important times with their friends and family in order to keep the community safe.

Officials offered the reminder that before you get in the driver's seat of a vehicle after throwing back a few drinks, to think twice.

"The problem with DWI is, I don't think anyone intends to go out and drive while intoxicated when they head out early in the evening. It is just one of those things that happens as the night goes on," said Carpenter. "It's an entirely preventable offense, no one has to do and there are certainly taxi services out there."

Also recognized at the breakfast was Brianna Parks, whose father was a police officer in the Village of Ilion when he was killed by a drunk driver 7 years ago.

She is now an advocate against drunk driving and shares her personal story of loss and strength at local schools and events.