MADD honors Costa Mesa officer

Mothers Against Drunk Driving honored a Costa Mesa police officer last week with its MADD California Hero Award.

Officer Kha Bao arrested 432 suspected drunk drivers in 2011, police said, earning the praise of the advocacy group.

Bao received the award Friday at MADD’s statewide dinner recognizing law enforcement officials that about 600 people attended, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.

He has been recognized by MADD in the past. In March, Bao was recognized for his efforts with a Century Award from MADD at the Nixon Presidential Library & Museum in Yorba Linda.

He and Costa Mesa officers Jose Torres, Oscar Reyes, Crystal Rodriguez and Jared Shurley participated in 859 drunk driving arrests last year, according to police.

— Lauren Williams

Twitter: @lawilliams30