HARRISONBURG - Every time David Fisher gets behind the wheel of his patrol car, the Virginia State Police trooper keeps his eyes peeled for drunken drivers on Interstate 81 and many of Rockingham County's roads.

For his dedication to his work and focus on drunken driving, Fisher was named "Lawperson of the Year," an annual award given by the Harrisonburg Kiwanis Club.

"He's one of those troopers that takes dedication to a new level," said 1st Sgt. Brian Hutcheson. "Any time he's working, you know he's out there being aggressive."

In 2007, Fisher made 59 driving under the influence arrests, and in the first three months of 2008, he's nabbed 21 drunken drivers.

Fisher received a regional award last year from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his efforts and also was recognized by the state police for his outstanding DUI enforcement in the Culpeper region, which includes Rockingham County.

"Any time I can get a DUI off the road, I'm saving the motoring public and the person I arrest," said Fisher, a nine-year state police veteran.