MADD Canada Van de Vorst Family Police Awards Recognize Officers for Taking Impaired Drivers off the Roads

OAKVILLE, Ontario, Sept. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Saskatchewan police officers will be honoured with MADD Canada Van de Vorst Family Police Awards for going above and beyond to protect their communities by taking impaired drivers off the province’s roads, waterways and trails. Special ceremonies will be held in Saskatoon today and in Regina tomorrow.

The awards are named in honour of Jordan and Chanda Van de Vorst and their young children, Kamryn and Miguire, who were tragically killed by an impaired driver in 2016.

“Every hour in Canada, an average of nine charges and provincial short-term licence suspensions are laid for alcohol- or drug-impaired driving,” said Steve Sullivan, CEO of MADD Canada. “Behind every number is a potential tragedy that never happened. The officers being recognized today work day and night to make sure impaired driving crashes are prevented. Their dedication is protecting people in Saskatchewan every day, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

“Nothing can bring back Jordan, Chanda, Kamryn and Miguire,” said Linda and Lou Van de Vorst. “But knowing that police officers continue to work so hard to stop impaired drivers gives us hope that other families may be spared the same unimaginable loss. Their dedication makes a difference, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”

This year, 213 officers will be awarded for their efforts in impaired driving enforcement in 2025. For the first time, MADD Canada will also present its new Diamond Award to officers who have taken 145 or more impaired drivers off the roads, waterways and trails. Three Saskatchewan officers have reached that milestone and will be receiving the inaugural award. Officers who removed between 8 and 16 impaired drivers from the roads, waterways and trails will be awarded the Silver Challenge Coin and a certificate of recognition. Those who charged 17 or more impaired drivers will receive the Gold Coin Award and a certificate of recognition. The Platinum Award recognizes officers who removed 40 or more impaired drivers.

About MADD Canada
MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims and survivors of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in close to 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads. For more information, visit www.madd.ca.

For more information, contact:
Arielle Nkongmeneck, MADD Canada Communications Manager, 1-800-665-6233, ext. 240 or ankongmeneck@madd.ca