FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2014
Contact: Amanda Brown
(615) 686-1022
Governor’s Highway Safety Office Recognizes
Law Enforcement Officers at Regional Meetings
Tennessee – The Governor’s Highway Safety Office, along with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, recognized nearly two hundred officers and law enforcement agencies for their traffic safety enforcement efforts last week. Regional meetings took place in Jackson, Murfreesboro, Pikeville, Knoxville, and Greeneville.
Officers were recognized for their efforts in speed enforcement, seat belt enforcement, impaired driving enforcement, and child passenger safety. Officer of the Year awards were presented to law enforcement who showed outstanding work in all areas of traffic safety. In certain regions, overall departments were recognized for their entire unit’s efforts in a particular category.
“Each year, MADD recognizes law enforcement officers across the state who excel in impaired driving enforcement,” said Kate Ritchie, State Program Director of MADD Tennessee. “We know that they put their lives on the line each day, and we thank them for their service. They are the reason that many of us are able to return home to our families at night. No matter how much education and awareness MADD does, it takes officers out there enforcing the laws for us to really make a difference.” Combined, the officers recognized by MADD had over 5,500 DUI arrests.
The regional meetings were conducted by the Governor’s Highway Safety Office’s Law Enforcement Liaisons (LELs). Each of the four Tennessee regions has one LEL that serves as a link between the Governor’s Highway Safety Office and local and state law enforcement agencies. LELs also oversee the development of traffic enforcement networks within their regions.
“We hold regional meetings as a way to thank our officers, deputies, and troopers for their extra efforts keeping our roadways safe,” Tony Burnett, Middle Tennessee Law Enforcement Liaison said. “The meetings also coincide with the kickoff of our Booze It and Lose It campaign. While we spend time reflecting on the accomplishments over the year, it also keeps agencies mindful of the importance of continued efforts over the holidays.”
“Our partnerships with law enforcement agencies are extremely valuable,” Kendell Poole, Director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Office said. “It is our honor to recognize the men and women who go above and beyond to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities. We know that their efforts are making an impact across the state of Tennessee.”
For a complete list of officers and departments that were recognized, visit http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/ghso/.
For more information about GHSO, visit www.tntrafficsafety.org.