Police Officer Earns Hopatcong's You Make a Difference Award

Hopatcong Police Officer David Kraus received the borough's You Make a Difference award at Wednesday night's mayor and council meeting at .

"Patrolman Kraus is an outstanding officer," Mayor Sylvia Petillo said, "and his efforts have prevented tragedies that could have occurred in our community. Officer Kraus is truly our community guardian against drunk driving."

Mayor Sylvia Petillo said Kraus leads Hopatcong in drunk-driving arrests. Police Chief John Swanson said Kraus has helped the department secure $98,000 in grants during his seven-year career.

"He's been an outstanding officer in his years of service since July of [1999] when he was hired and I look forward to seeing him complete a very successful career," Swanson said.

Swanson said Kraus has been particularly successful in coordinating the department's "state highway traffic grant funds."

Upon receiving the award, Kraus posed for pictures with his wife, Officer Tina Kraus, children and the mayor. Kraus has also received the Mothers Against Drunk Driving 2009 Law Enforcement Distinguished Service Award.