Claysburg Police Officer Given Top Gun Award At Blair Drug and Alcohol Recognition Dinner

The Drug and Alcohol Partnership held its annual Recognition Awards Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 16, at The U.S. Hotel in Hollidaysburg. The awards dinner celebrates the work of community partners in their efforts to combat drug and alcohol abuse.

Freedom Township Police Chief Nathan Claycomb presented the Top Gun Award to Patrolman Dan Eastep of the Greenfield Township Police Department, Patrolman Bryan Ketner of the Hollidaysburg Police Department, and Officer Matt Jenkins of the Altoona Police Department. The Top Gun awards are given to local law enforcement officers with the highest number of DUI arrests within their department. The award recognizes the officer's work in keeping impaired drivers off the road.

Blair County Commissioner Bruce Erb was presented with the JoAnne Dugan Visionary Award, given to recognize individuals who have a vision of collaboration between the community and partnership to support its mission. Erb, who is finishing his second and final term as commissioner, served as the liaison to the Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnership and called his experience working with the organization both eye-opening and valuable.

The John Iorio Community Partner Award, which recognized individuals or organizations that actively partner and promote initiatives to sustain the activities of the partnership, was given to Green Bean Coffee House.

State Rep. Jim Gregory was presented with the Ray Shaw Community Advocate Award by his wife, Lynn. The Ray Shaw Community Advocate Award is given to an individual or business that actively promotes awareness and education to the community on prevention and treatment for abuse of drugs and alcohol.

Gregory said he has dedicated a lot of time and energy to helping people in his district and across the state who are struggling with addiction and receiving the award means he is "fighting the good fight."

Sarah Garman and the Hollidaysburg Area Senior High SADD students received the Youth Advocacy Award, given to recognize individuals or entities that actively promote activities that impact the reduction of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by youth.