Putnamville officer honored for role in Putnam marijuana bust
INDIANAPOLIS -- Specialized training paid off in a big way for one Putnamville Indiana State Police officer, and now he has an ISP award that recognizes his knowledge and attention to detail.
Motor Carrier Inspector (MCI) Yan J. Dravigne, who is assigned to ISP's Putnamville District 53/Area III, completed a Drug Interdiction Course in November 2009. Then, in June 2010, that experience and training paid off when Dravigne stopped a suspicious vehicle in Putnam County.
Upon interviewing the driver, MCI Dravigne determined the load was worthy of further investigation. A K-9 officer was brought to the scene and a search of the truck netted more than 600 pounds of marijuana.
Dravigne has since discovered false compartments in two other commercial motor vehicles traveling through the district.
As a result of his actions, Dravigne this week received the Ray Reed Memorial Award during an Indiana State Police awards ceremony at Indianapolis.
Criteria for the award include enforcement activity, professional demeanor and service above what is required. The honor personifies professionalism, integrity and a well-rounded work ethic, according to ISP Supt. Paul Whitesell, who presented the award.
Dravigne was assigned Area III/District 53 after graduating from the Indiana State Police Motor Inspector Academy in February 2008.
Dravigne resides in Clay County with his wife and three children.