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Local Deputy Wins Statewide Award

Left to right, Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Lt. Erik Nilssen, Dep. Jordan Kuester, Dep. Matt Gardner (holding his award), and Dep. Macy Pace
VCSO
Left to right, Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Lt. Erik Nilssen, Dep. Jordan Kuester, Dep. Matt Gardner (holding his award), and Dep. Macy Pace

Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Deputy Matt Gardner was recognized as Indiana's top drug recognition officer

A Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s deputy has been recognized as Indiana’s top drug recognition expert for 2025. WNIN’s John Gibson has details:

The award was presented to Deputy Matt Gardner during the Indiana Traffic Safety Conference in Bloomington.

The sheriff’s office says Gardner earned the award after conducting 81 D.R.E. evaluations last year, including 66 directly related to enforcement actions.

Drug Recognition Experts are specially trained officers who identify and evaluate drivers suspected of being impaired by drugs.

The sheriff’s office says Gardner’s efforts have contributed significantly to impaired driving investigations and roadway safety throughout Vanderburgh County and beyond.

Deputy Gardner also serves as a sobriety testing and drug recognition instructor.