Successful traffic safety activities conducted by the Wadena County Sheriff's Office warranted a federal grant of $2,500 from the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). The Wadena County Sheriff's Office demonstrated extraordinary commitment and achievement in reducing traffic-related deaths and injuries and removing impaired drivers from the road in their jurisdiction in 2008.
The Safe & Sober Challenge program award was presented to Deputy Bryan Savaloja by OTS on Jan. 22. The Wadena County Sheriff's Office plans to use the grant to upgrade in-squad recording systems.
"Traffic enforcement and education are keys to making our roads and county a safer place," Savaloja said. "It is a great honor to be recognized for our traffic safety activities and we'll continue our efforts to create safer roads in Wadena County."
The awards are based on the merits of the activities that law enforcement agencies conducted in 2008, including traffic safety community programs, enforcement, officer training, public and media relations, and presentations. The Wadena County Sheriff's Office took part in several public service announcements, increased patrols during holiday weekends, and sent several deputies to training to improve traffic safety in 2008.
"The Wadena County Sheriff's Office dedication to traffic safety is helping to drive Minnesota toward zero traffic deaths," said Cheri Marti, director of OTS. "The Department of Public Safety is proud of the work that Sheriff Mike Carr and his deputies are doing to enforce traffic laws and encourage safe driving behavior."
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The Wadena County Sheriff's Office was one of 16 winning agencies from across the state.
The Safe & Sober Challenge program is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by OTS. Safe & Sober is designed to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
