Sgt. Pete Lamb of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office has made a career of keeping under-the-influence drivers from getting behind a steering wheel.
At the fourth annual Mothers Against Drunk Driving awards dinner in Macon, Sgt. Lamb was honored by MADD's Georgia chapter as its 2008 Statewide Officer of the Year awardee.
A 28-year police veteran, Sgt. Lamb heads the county's DUI Task Force and the H.E.A.T. (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) Team.
He was also recognized recently for a number of articles on DUI enforcement and for his training of police officers statewide on handling the public during DUI episodes.
Sgt. Lamb said the public needs more education about the difference between drinking alcohol and using other illegal drugs.
"Alcohol is the most common DUI, but not the most used substance," he said. "Forty percent of our DUI cases involve drugs beyond alcohol."
He listed marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and prescription drugs as problematic.
"Just because you have a prescription -- that doesn't give you a right to mix them with other drugs and drive a vehicle."
Sgt. Lamb, 53, got his strict approach to discipline from his parents.
His father, Richard Lamb, is a retired Army lieutenant colonel, and his mother, Kitty Lamb, is a retired fine arts teacher from John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School.
Sgt. Lamb worked for the Augusta Police Department's housing unit before transferring to the sheriff's office during the 1996 city-county consolidation. Under his leadership, the H.E.A.T. unit was formed in 2006.
Denise Thames, executive director for Georgia's MADD chapter, said Sgt. Lamb was selected as the top officer because "he excels in many areas, including DUI arrests, traffic safety and victim services."
His strong work ethic is a plus, she said.
MADD was formed in 1980. and its Georgia arm was formed in 1986.
Reach Timothy Cox at (706) 823-3217 or tim.cox@augustachronicle.com.
SGT. PETE LAMB
OCCUPATION: Lead officer, Richmond County DUI Task Force and H.E.A.T. unit.
AGE: 53
FAMILY: Wife Brenda, two children, five stepchildren, three grandchildren.
CAREER: 28 years in law enforcement
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Congratulations Sgt. Lamb. I worked for him years ago with the RCSO and he is filled with knowledge and had no problem helping teach officers what he knows. Congratulations again and stay safe.
Congrats Sgt Lamb. You are doing this city a great justice. Keep on keeping us safe. Thank You.
Congratulations to one of Augusta's finest, Pete Lamb. Hey, I didn't know Kitty was Pete's mom. I'm confused. Is Kitty Jan and Joanie's mom? I thought Jan and Joanie's brother's name was John instead of Pete, so maybe that is how I wasn't making the connection. I saw Kitty not too long ago, she is long-time friends with my mom and dad and we were re-introduced. Small world if this is the same Kitty Lamb....
It's gotta be.
Who would want something from an organization that is based on a blatant lie?