The Nipissing chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving has named Liz Bell as its North Bay Police officer of the year.

Every year, the local chapter of MADD honours the North Bay Police officer who makes the most impaired driving arrests.

Chief Shawn Devine says MADD does a great job in raising awareness on getting impaired drivers off the roads.

He says there would have been many more accidents and lives lost without MADD’s efforts.

Jackie McLeod, president of the local chapter says they are not just targeting drivers under the influence of alcohol but also those motorists who are driving while distracted, driving under the influence of drugs and drivers who are tired while they’re behind the wheel.

Officer Bell has since left North Bay and is an officer in Ottawa.