Gridley Police Officer Abigail Chufar received the 2026 MADD Sacramento Outstanding Officer Award for her proactive enforcement efforts, including impaired driving investigations and traffic safety. Photo courtesy of the Gridley Police Department

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Two members of the Gridley Police Department received regional recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving Sacramento.

Officer Abigail Chufar was named the recipient of MADD Sacramento's 2026 Outstanding Officer Award, while Officer Ashley Gibson received the organization's 2026 Community Champion Officer Award. The awards recognize law enforcement officers whose work supports MADD's mission of reducing impaired driving and strengthening community safety.

Chufar, who joined the Gridley Police Department in July 2024, was recognized for her proactive enforcement efforts during the 2025 calendar year.

According to the department, Chufar made 75 arrests in 2025, including 18 felony arrests and 57 misdemeanor arrests. Among those arrests were five DUI cases involving impaired drivers, along with arrests related to drug possession, individuals under the influence of controlled substances and alcohol-related offenses. She also made more than 20 warrant arrests.

The department noted that Chufar handled 1,661 calls for service during the year, including 1,125 officer-initiated incidents, reflecting a proactive approach to policing. She also conducted 429 traffic stops, issued 197 citations and managed 123 criminal investigations.

"Officer Chufar's dedication, professionalism and impact make her highly deserving of recognition for MADD's Outstanding Officer Award," the department wrote in its nomination.

Gridley Police Officer Ashley Gibson received the 2026 MADD Sacramento Community Champion Officer Award for her work as a school resource officer, youth mentor and advocate for impaired driving prevention. Photo courtesy of the Gridley Police Department

Gibson, who joined the department in June 2023, earned the Community Champion Officer Award for combining enforcement with education and youth mentorship as the department's school resource officer.

Working in partnership with the Gridley Unified School District, Gibson serves five schools throughout the district. Her responsibilities include maintaining a visible presence on campuses, responding to safety concerns, building relationships with students, staff and parents, and participating in educational programs focused on alcohol awareness and substance abuse prevention.

The department said Gibson has become a trusted mentor for many students while continuing to perform the duties expected of a patrol officer, including responding to calls for service, conducting investigations, preparing reports and testifying in court.

One incident highlighted in her nomination occurred in August 2025 while she was conducting traffic enforcement near Spruce Street and State Route 99, an area frequently traveled by students. Gibson stopped a driver who allegedly ran a red light at a high rate of speed. During the investigation, she determined the driver was impaired by alcohol and arrested the individual on suspicion of driving under the influence, violating probation, displaying false registration tabs and the traffic violation.

The department said the arrest removed an impaired driver from a heavily traveled area near local schools and demonstrated Gibson's commitment to protecting students and the community.

"Officer Gibson has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the students, schools and families within the Gridley community," the department wrote. "Her proactive efforts to reduce underage drinking, promote responsible behavior and enhance community safety embody the values and mission of MADD's Community Champion recognition."