MADD Award

Two members of the Kernersville Police Department (KPD) who served on the Forsyth County DWI Task Force this past year have been recognized by the state’s MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) chapter for their work in keeping impaired drivers off the road.
According to the KPD, Officer C.A. McRae and Sgt. S.P. Johnson were recognized by MADD last month during the organization’s annual Law Enforcement Recognition event for having the third and fourth most DWI arrests in North Carolina. The KPD reported that Officer McRae had 134 arrests and Sgt. Johnson had 133. Sgt. Johnson left the task force in April 2021, following his promotion.
Johnson said he joined the task force in October 2015 after becoming more proficient in DWI investigations.
“After joining the Kernersville Police Department in January of 2015, I began to become proficient in DWI investigations, having the time to be proactive and actively police traffic violations. I felt as though removing impaired drivers from the roadways helps make an immediate difference in keeping our local motoring public safe. I knew it would be a daily challenge and that excited me,” Johnson said of why he was interested in becoming a member of the task force.
McRae is still an active member of the task force. He was first assigned to the unit while employed with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.
“I was originally selected to be a member of the DWI task force while employed with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office in January of 2016. I served in that capacity until I was hired by the Kernersville Police Department in June of 2017. I was then selected to be a member of this unit again in October of 2017 where I currently am still,” McRae said. “I’m proud of the work our team does day in and out trying to keep the roads safer by stopping impaired drivers. The ultimate goal would be for there not to be anymore impaired drivers and I hope to see that one day in my career.”
The Kernersville News asked each what they were most proud of about the work they’ve done through the Forsyth County DWI Task Force.
“I’m most proud of all the knowledge that I have acquired through the DWI task force position and being able to share that knowledge with other officers to help improve their DWI investigations,” Johnson said.
Both Johnson and McRae have strong messages to the public about impaired driving.
“Driving while impaired is 100 percent preventable. If you know that you are going to be going out and consuming alcohol, make a plan before you start drinking on how you are going to get home. The first thing that alcohol impairs is one’s judgment. Poor judgment leads to bad decisions,” Johnson said.
Noted McRae, “Simply put, if you intend on enjoying a night out, have a plan on getting home safe. Whether that’s through a sober designated driver or by using a ride sharing service. Have a plan prior to going out because if you don’t, there’s a good chance you won’t make a good decision once you need to get home.”
Johnson and McRae said they were honored to have received recognition from the North Carolina chapter of MADD.
“It’s an honor to have received this award and I’d like to thank MADD for recognizing the efforts of Officer McRae and I,” Johnson said.
“It’s an honor to share the stage with the men and women across the state of North Carolina that have focused their careers and efforts on the detection and prevention of impaired driving,” McRae said.
Johnson and McRae acknowledged all those who serve on the Forsyth County DWI Task Force.
“The Forsyth County DWI Task Force is made up of seven highly motivated officers from the Kernersville Police Department, Winston Salem Police Department and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office,” Johnson said. “Almost every night of the year we are patrolling the streets of Forsyth County, with the goal of stopping and arresting impaired drivers to save lives. While I am no longer a member of this group, it was the most rewarding part of my career thus far.”
McRae described himself as fortunate for being able to serve on the task force.
“I’m fortunate to work with some of the most knowledgeable and dedicated officers when it comes to impaired driving. We have all worked closely together and it is truly a family to me,” McRae said.