Community Champions Recognized

Wichita Mountains Prevention Network (WMPN) honored four area law enforcement personnel at the recent Pathways to a Healthier You coalition meeting for their contribution to enforcement of laws aimed to reduce alcohol- and drug-related fatalities as well as consumption of alcohol and marijuana by minors in the area.

“One of the main goals of Wichita Mountains Prevention Network and the Pathways to a Healthier You coalition is to reduce the number of alcoholic beverages and marijuana sold to and consumed by minors under the age of 21,” said Ebony Moore-Custis, Regional Prevention Coordinator for WMPN. “We realize that we could not do the work that we do without the help and cooperation of local law enforcement and their willingness to ensure that the laws that are in place are enforced.”

The four “Community Champions” are: Timothy Fitzpatrick of the Marlow Police Department, for Prescription Drug Enforcement; Cortnie Siess, Assistant District Attorney, for Alcohol and Other Drugs Prosecutor; Ben Smith of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, for Marijuana Enforcement; and Nicholas Dziewa of the Duncan Police Department, for Alcohol Enforcement.

WMPN is funded by a grant from the Oklahoma Department of Mental health and Substance Abuse Services. The Pathways to a Healthier You coalition is comprised of business and industry, local government, coalitions, education, community and civic organizations, public health, health care and other stakeholders working together. Communities represented include Bray, Central High, Comanche, Duncan, Empire City, Marlow, and Velma.

Cutline:

Community Champions: Cortnie Siess of the District Attorney’s Office, Timothy Fitzpatrick of Marlow Police Department, Nicholas Dziewa of Duncan Police Department, and Ben Smith of Oklahoma Highway Patrol show off the awards given at the recent Pathways to a Healthier You coalition meeting.

Photo by Elizabeth Pitts-Hibbard