The Peachtree City Police Department took top honors Sept. 30 at the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) 15th Annual Governor’s Challenge Awards held in Macon.
An annual recognition program for law enforcement agencies of all sizes from all over the state, the program features awards in seven different categories based on department size as well as several other specialty categories.
Peachtree City walked away with more honors than any other agency. The department was awarded the Governor’s Cup, which goes to the top performing department among all categories. In addition, Peachtree City took home first place in the “51-100 Officers” category as well as the “Speed” and “Occupant Protection” special category awards.
“I am delighted that our officers were recognized at the recent Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Awards Banquet,” said Chief Janet Moon. “While traffic enforcement is part of our day to day mission, implementing strategies and practices to impact the outcomes from traffic crashes and injuries is the overall goal. The officers remained committed and focused upon safety on the roadways and I am pleased their efforts were noticed and rewarded in such a positive manner.”
Designed to award outstanding achievements in highway safety enforcement and education, the awards recognize agencies for the approach and effectiveness of their overall highway safety programs, said GOHS spokesperson Katie Fallon.
Fallon said agencies are evaluated not just for enforcement initiatives, but for innovative problem-solving in their communities, using public information activities, and creating departmental policies that support their traffic enforcement campaign efforts.
“We are extremely grateful for the hard work of the Peachtree City Police Department and I want to congratulate them on bringing home the Governor’s Cup this year,” said GOHS Director Harris Blackwood. “They were our top performing department, with specialty awards in addition to their first place win. We hope they and all of our winners continue to compete in Governor’s Challenge for years to come.”
GOHS Law Enforcement Services Director Roger Hayes said the Governor’s Challenge is designed to recognize the efforts of all agencies.
“Governor’s Challenge is now in its 15th year. One of the reasons we do this is to make sure all these law enforcement agencies know that no matter how large or small, no achievement goes unnoticed,” Hayes said. “These men and women put their lives on the line every day and we want to recognize them for their continued commitment to highway safety.”
