Shelbyville PD's Kyra Peoples among those honored for efforts to reduce drug-impaired driving

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute is honoring 13 law enforcement officials for their efforts in reducing impaired driving.  

ICJI recently hosted the Drug Recognition Experts award ceremony at the Fishers Event Center, recognizing specially trained officers who help keep Indiana’s roads safe. Public Safety Secretary Jennifer-Ruth Green joined ICJI at the award ceremony, recognizing the impact that this program has on Hoosiers. 

“Just last month, we saw a Drug Recognition Expert successfully utilize their training and expertise in Vanderburgh County and take an aggressive, impaired driver off the road in the middle of an afternoon on a Tuesday,” said Public Safety Secretary Green. “We want to recognize their outstanding service and their instructors who help train the next generation of DREs. Their experience and commitment make Indiana’s roads and communities safer for everyone.”

Among those recognized was Kyra Peoples of the Shelbyville Police Department.

A drug recognition expert is a law enforcement official trained to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs. DREs are trained to conduct a systematic and standardized 12-step evaluation consisting of physical, mental and medical components. 

This is the ninth year for the awards ceremony. Over the last nine years, the DRE program has expanded, reaching 204 officers in the program in 2024. Douglas Huntsinger, Executive Director for ICJI, remarked on the complex challenges that DREs navigate daily. 

“Indiana’s Drug Recognition Experts are on the front lines of the fight against drug impaired driving,” said Huntsinger. “Your dedication to this mission does not go unnoticed. The commitment you show—whether through enforcement, training, or mentorship—makes a tangible difference in the fight against impaired driving.” 

During the ceremony, ICJI recognized Sergeant Zachary Crabtree of the Columbia City Police Department as the DRE of the Year. Sgt. Crabtree has served with the Columbus City Police Department for more than four years. Since becoming certified in March 2024, Sgt. Crabtree has demonstrated enthusiasm and dedication, completing 36 drug influence evaluations that year and establishing himself as a top performer. 

Corporal Gregg Yuknavage of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received the DRE Performance Award. Corporal Yuknavage is a rising star in the DRE program. Despite only being certified in August 2024, he completed 20 evaluations by the end of the year. 

Sergeant John Kreiger of the Fort Wayne Police Department received the DRE Instructor of the Year Award for his passion for mentoring officers and exemplary service in 2024. During his service in the DRE program, Kreiger became a favorite among new students.