Governor recognizes GPD, HCSO

ATLANTA - A northeast Georgia law enforcement agency is the winner of this year's Governor's Cup for the highest evaluation in the Fifth Annual Governor's Challenge Awards.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office scored 178 out of a possible 195 to take the top award.

The Governor's Challenge is an incentive program designed to award "outstanding achievements" in both highway enforcement and safety in the state.

The Gainesville Police Department and Hall County Sheriff's Office were also among six agencies in the area cited by the governor.

More than 400 officers, highway safety advocates, and elected officials heard Governor Sonny Perdue present this year's keynote address at the banquet.

"You're being honored for the job you do every day, keeping our roadways and communities safe," said Governor Perdue as he addressed police, deputies and state troopers from around the state. "Your high-profile sobriety road-checks and concentrated patrols are having a measurable effect: You're saving the innocent lives of fellow Georgians every time you send an impaired driver to jail.. Every time you write a speeding ticket.. And yes, every time you cite a driver for an unbuckled safety belt."

"We are proud to have Governor Perdue as our keynote speaker this year and equally proud of the selfless, life-saving efforts of Georgia's law enforcement community," said Director Bob Dallas of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

Georgia law enforcement agencies are judged on both the approach and effectiveness of their overall highway safety programs. Agencies are evaluated not just for enforcement initiatives, but for innovative problem solving programs in their communities. The judging also examines how local agencies adapt their public information activities and create departmental policies to support their traffic enforcement campaign efforts.

"Participation in campaigns such as Click It Or Ticket, Operation Zero Tolerance, and the 100 Days of Summer HEAT has proven that high-visibility enforcement of Georgia's traffic laws is the key to saving lives and reducing injuries on Georgia's highways," said GOHS Director Bob Dallas.

Dallas said, "Through these ongoing GOHS initiatives, Georgia law enforcement agencies are accustomed to working together daily to promote traffic safety. Without a doubt, this contributed to the success of Georgia's recent relief efforts when our Governor called upon Georgia's public safety agencies to help our neighbors in Mississippi and Louisiana in the face of disaster."

Governor Sonny Perdue recognized Georgia's law enforcement officers who were part of hurricane response efforts in Georgia and the affected southeast region.

"In between your life-saving road checks and concentrated patrols, many of you from traffic enforcement units have volunteered to provide law enforcement assistance or help with relief efforts in New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast," said Governor Perdue. This was truly a case of adversity bringing out the best in Georgia. And it is no surprise to me that Georgia's best, our law enforcement community, were among the first on the scene to help."

"In fact we almost had to physically restrain some of you from rushing straight to New Orleans," the Governor mused. "I appreciate the help you have given to our neighbors in need. And I am proud of the way you have represented Georgia. You make us all proud."

"Thank you for your service to your communities and your country," Governor Perdue concluded. "I know that once again this year, you are motivated and qualified to meet the Governor's Challenge."