NEWS RELEASE
HALTON REGIONAL POLICE
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The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is proud to announce that one of its members, Cst. Jason Lin, has been named the 2024 MADD Halton Region Officer of the Year. Further, two citizens were awarded the 2024 MADD Halton Citizen of the Year and 2024 MADD Volunteer of the Year.
The award recipients were honoured by MADD at HRPS Headquarters on Nov. 20 in a ceremony presided over by HRPS Chief of Police, Stephen Tanner and president of MADD Halton Karen Rowley.
The annual awards are part of an initiative undertaken by MADD Halton Region to recognize officers and citizens alike for their commitment and contributions to the prevention, apprehension, and prosecution of impaired drivers.
Recipients are identified through the use of police analytics as well as a review of all impaired driving incidents within the region for the year.
In 2024, Lin removed eight impaired drivers from the road, administered 114 roadside alcohol tests, completed 21 breath tests and drug recognition examinations of arrested impaired drivers.
Lin joined the Halton Regional Police Service in 2019, and since that time, he has arrested 21 impaired drivers, and pulled an additional 16 drivers off the road for warn range alcohol suspensions, conducted 480 roadside alcohol tests, and completed 64 breath tests and drug recognition examinations of arrested impaired drivers. Lin is a member of the 3 District (Burlington) District Response Unit and is a qualified Breath Technician, Standardized Field Sobriety Technician and Drug Recognition Expert.
Chloe Proietti, was also honoured as the MADD Halton Citizen of the Year for her efforts in intervening in an impaired driving incident in Oakville. Proietti observed a suspected impaired driver, contacted 911, and remained with the driver until Halton officers arrived on scene.
Proietti’s actions prevented the alleged impaired driver from picking up their child and transporting them in the vehicle. The individual who was arrested, provided samples of their breath that were 4.5 times the legal limit. There is no doubt that Proietti’s actions saved lives (this matter is currently before the courts with the reminder that the individual charged that day is innocent until proven guilty).
Nicola Paris was awarded the title of MADD Halton Volunteer of the Year. Paris is the volunteer coordinator for MADD Halton. She assists with scheduling and coordinating the MADD Halton volunteer group to staff the Halton Police RIDE checkpoints as well as information and fundraising campaigns. Paris efforts greatly assist with ensuring MADD Halton is able to meet its objectives.
Also, at the ceremony Rowley was presented with her five-year MADD Canada Service pin.
"On behalf of the Halton Regional Police Service and the community we serve, it is my distinct pleasure to congratulate Cst. Lin on such a remarkable achievement,” said Acting Insp. Ryan Snow of the HRPS Traffic Services Unit.
“Cst. Lin’s dedication to enforcement enhances the safety of all road users and should be a reason for those motorists – who choose to drink and drive - to think twice. MADD’s recognition of citizens like Ms. Proietti further demonstrates the role & positive impact all area residents can have in removing impaired drivers from our roadways.
"Impaired driving is a community concern and Halton Police thanks everyone for their actions that contribute to safer roads throughout the year.”
Driving while impaired remains the most prominent contributing factor to serious collisions in Canada. The Halton Regional Police Service thanks MADD Halton Region for their tireless efforts to eliminate impaired driving in Halton and across Canada.
On average, one-third of impaired driving charges laid are the result of members of the public calling police after observing suspected impaired driving. If you have reason to believe a fellow motorist is driving impaired, pull over safely and call 911.
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