Tennessee Law Enforcement Agencies Earn Statewide, National Honors
53 awards earned by agencies from across the state
Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office announced the winners of the 10th Annual Law Enforcement Challenge on Friday, September 5. The Law Enforcement Challenge is presented to law enforcement agencies statewide. This year’s award winners were recognized on a state level and four agencies also received national recognition.
The Law Enforcement Challenge is an annual competition designed to recognize and reward the best overall traffic safety programs across the state. Similar sizes and types of agencies are judged on their local efforts to enforce laws and educate the public about the dangers of driving impaired and speeding, as well as the importance of occupant protection. The winning safety programs combine officer training, public information and enforcement to reduce crashes and injuries within their jurisdictions. To receive national recognition, agencies participated in the International Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Challenge.
“The Law Enforcement Challenge honors the good work of our law enforcement agencies,” said Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer. “It also provides an incentive for law enforcement agencies to reach new heights, set comprehensive goals, and share their experiences. These enforcement and education efforts help keep our roads safe and help nurture better drivers.”
Qualifying agencies were eligible to win two fully equipped police vehicles. This year’s vehicle winners were the White House Police Department and the Paris Police Department. Agencies that participated in the S.A.F.E. (Seatbelts Are For Everyone) campaign were eligible for a third fully equipped police vehicle. The winner of the S.A.F.E vehicle was the Oliver Springs Police Department.
Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole reminded the group of law enforcement representatives that all who attended are winners, “Lives are saved every day by law enforcement officers who work to reduce the frequency and severity of injuries on our roadways in Tennessee,” Poole said. “The awards presented illustrate not only the achievements made in highway safety enforcement and education, but our appreciation for their work.”
A list of state and national winners can be found here: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2014/91914ChallengeWinners.pdf
The Law Enforcement Challenge took place following the 27th Annual Tennessee Lifesavers Conference. The Lifesavers Conference provides top-quality education and unparalleled networking opportunities for individuals in the traffic safety industry. This year Grammy award winner Jason Crabb performed the national anthem at the Opening Plenary. Kimberly Schlapman, member of country foursome Little Big Town, offered remarks during the Director’s Award Luncheon. The conference experienced a record year with over 600 registrants.
For more information about the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, visit our website at www.tntrafficsafety.org.