Wyckoff Sgt. Zivkovich Earns MADD Recognition

Police Sergeant Brian Zivkovich was lauded for the second year in a row for his efforts to curb drunk driving in Wyckoff. 

The New Jersey Chapter of MADD awarded the  for outstanding and distinguished service to the community for saving lives and preventing crashes by arresting impaired drivers, according to a press release.

MADD is a national organization committed to reducing motor vehicle crashes caused by drunk drivers. 

"Too often the media reports the tragic results of an intoxicated driver and you wonder what could have been done to prevent it," Zivkovich said Wednesday. "The Wyckoff Police Department is committed to keeping the residents of Wyckoff safe on the roadways. I am proud to be part of team of dedicated officers that work together to obtain the mission of MADD."

Wyckoff Police Chief Benjamin Fox said Zivkovich was the leading department enforcer of drunken driving arrests in 2011.

"While it is always difficult to predict what could have happened in any situation, without a doubt Sgt. Zivkovich has saved lives or injuries, and prevented crashes through his commitment to taking drunk drivers off our roadways," Fox wrote Tuesday.

Zivkovich and other police officers will be honored by MADD at a breakfast on June 14.

Fox said he was proud of Zivkovich's efforts and added that choosing only one officer for recognition was difficult.

Zivkovich's training in DWI enforcement allows him to spot drunk drivers on the roadways, and following a traffic stop, develop the probable cause necessary to make an arrest, Fox said.

Committeeman Kevin Rooney praised Zivkovich for his diligent work at Tuesday night's committee meeting. He called the sergeant "respected" and noted that his .  

"We predicted good things for him that night we promoted him and he's proving us correct," added Mayor Chris DePhillips.

Zivkovich, along with Sgt. Michael Ragucci, also was .