The Orange County Probation Department is proud to announce that Deputy Probation Officer Ronald De La Riva has been nominated for a prestigious award by the Southern California office of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). This esteemed recognition underscores Officer De La Riva's exceptional commitment to public safety and his unwavering dedication to reducing
drunk driving incidents in our community.
DUI offenses not only lead to tragic and preventable accidents but also place a substantial strain on our emergency services, healthcare systems, and legal institutions. Law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and legal professionals are consistently called upon to address the aftermath of these incidents.
To celebrate this honor, a special MADD presentation was held for Officer De La Riva on August 27, 2024, at the Harbor Justice Center. This event followed a graduation ceremony for nine DUI Court participants. The combination of these events underscores the critical work of probation officers in supporting both recovery and enforcement efforts.
Assistant Division Director of Adult Court Services Michael Casteel expressed, “Ron has been an exemplary officer and the nomination received from M.A.D.D. underscores his dedication to both his caseload and the people of Orange County. I am proud of Ron’s work and am grateful that he continues to share his passion for probation and to improving the lives of those he works with.”
Moreover, the long-term effects of drunk driving extend beyond immediate accidents. Survivors often face ongoing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Communities affected by these incidents grapple with the loss of life and the disruption caused to their neighborhoods and families.
The Southern California office of MADD recognizes law enforcement officials who demonstrate exceptional commitment to combating drunk driving. Officer De La Riva’s nomination reflects his exemplary service and the positive influence he has made in our community.
