Annual ceremony highlights police action against impaired driving across Alberta.

Edmonton police officers were among dozens recognized at the Cpl. Cummings Watch Awards held on Wednesday at the Royal Hotel West in Edmonton. The event brought together law enforcement members from across Alberta to acknowledge their work in removing impaired drivers from roadways.

The awards are organized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and focus on officers who contribute to reducing incidents involving alcohol or drug-related driving offences. According to MADD, the recognition is given to officers who consistently take action during traffic patrols and investigations involving impaired drivers.

Nearly 80 officers from different agencies across Alberta were acknowledged during this year’s ceremony. Recognition levels were based on the number of impaired-driving charges laid in 2025. Officers who recorded between 15 and 24 charges received a Silver Challenge Coin, while those who recorded more than 25 received a Gold Challenge Coin.

During the event, Supt. Matt Hart, who serves with Alberta traffic, spoke about the impact of impaired driving on younger drivers. He noted that many serious incidents involve individuals between the ages of 16 and 25, with alcohol or drugs involved in a large portion of those cases. He also spoke about the role of awareness efforts through families, sports organizations, and media channels in influencing decision-making among youth.

The Cpl. Cummings Watch Awards were created in 2015 in memory of RCMP Cpl. Cumming, who lost his life in 1998 after being struck by a vehicle driven by an impaired driver while assisting on Highway 3 near Lethbridge. The awards serve as a reminder of the risks faced by both officers and the public in such incidents.

The ceremony also included remarks from Lynda McCullough, whose daughter Jennifer Leigh died in a head-on collision involving a drunk driver two decades ago. McCullough shared her reflections with attendees and emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to prevent similar tragedies.

She noted that seeing police dedication at the annual event brings a sense of recognition for ongoing enforcement work. She also spoke about the impact that preventing even a single impaired-driving incident can have on families and communities affected by such incidents.

The gathering ended with an acknowledgement of all officers in attendance, marking another year of coordinated efforts across Alberta to address impaired driving through enforcement and public awareness initiatives.