National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recognizes Dedicated Safety Champions at Annual Lifesavers Conference |
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Topics: Lifesavers
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NHTSA
April 15, 2013
NHTSA 10-13
Monday, April 15, 2013
Contact: Derrell Lyles, 202-366-9550 | Email: Public.Affairs@dot.gov
DENVER – Today at the 31st Annual Lifesavers Conference, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) presented 14 individuals and organizations with the agency's top public service award for their tireless efforts in advancing highway safety throughout the country.
“Safety is the Department of Transportation’s top priority,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “But we can’t get there alone. The individuals we recognize today are making a difference by helping reduce highway fatalities and injuries in states and localities across the country.”
The Lifesavers conference brings together individuals and public safety groups who all share the common goal of making America’s roads and communities safer. Participants are introduced to fresh ideas that help promote life-saving strategies and techniques. The innovative concepts shared during Lifesavers help participants create relevant solutions for highway safety problems in their individual jurisdictions. This year’s conference, hosted by the non-profit Lifesavers organization, runs from April 14-16, and is expected to draw well over 1,500 participants and 95 exhibitors.
“The individuals and organizations that are being honored today have exemplified extraordinary commitment to keeping drivers safe on our nation’s roadways,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “These awards are just a small token of our appreciation for their hard work and substantial contributions helping to improve traffic safety throughout the year.”
The 14 public service award winners, and their plaque citations, are as follows:
California AVOID DUI Coalition
In recognition of your tireless efforts in saving lives on California’s roadways, reducing alcohol-related fatalities by 39 percent since 2005.
Candace Cheatem
Deputy Director, Local Investment Commission
Kansas City, Missouri
In recognition of your outstanding dedication to the promotion of occupant protection programs to save lives and prevent injuries among diverse populations in Kansas City.
Warren Diepraam
Trial Division and Vehicular Crimes Section Chief
Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office
Conroe, Texas
In recognition of your commitment to making Montgomery County, Texas roadways safer through innovative enforcement of traffic safety laws.
The Honorable David Freudenthal
Former Governor of Wyoming
Cheyenne, Wyoming
In recognition of your leadership in DUI prevention through policy initiatives, public awareness promotion, and law enforcement recognition in Wyoming.
Sergeant John Gonzales
Meridian Police Department
Meridian, Idaho
In recognition of your innovative and proven methods of working with traffic safety partners to save teen and young adult lives in Meridian, Idaho.
The Honorable Kent Lawrence
Former Athens/Clarke County DWI Court Judge
Athens, Georgia
In recognition of your commitment and dedication to creating and building successful DWI/Drug Courts, advancing the concept of sobriety to save lives in Georgia.
Terry L. Mosser
Kentucky State DRE Coordinator
Department of Criminal Justice Training
Richmond, Kentucky
In recognition of your dedication to highway safety and to reducing impaired driving, and successful DRE implementation.
New York State Association of Chiefs of Police
Schenectady, New York
In recognition of your leadership in providing the law enforcement community with critical skills to improve traffic safety in New York, in neighboring States, and across the Nation.
Jan Null
Certified Consulting Meteorologist, San Francisco State University
Saratoga, California
In recognition of your exceptional commitment, vision, and tireless work to raise public awareness on the issue of heatstroke.
Bonnie Raffaele
Founder, KDR Challenge
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
In recognition of your tireless efforts through Kids Driving Responsibly to achieve Kelsey’s Law.
Allen Robinson, Ph.D.
CEO, American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association
Indiana, Pennsylvania
In recognition of your lifelong dedication to traffic safety and young drivers as an educator, teacher, and national leader for motorcycle safety and driver education.
Chief Robert Ticer
Avon Police Department
Avon, Colorado
In recognition of your vision, expertise, and leadership in advocating for effective, sensitive, and respectful engagement of the law enforcement community to ensure the safety of older drivers.
Traffic Jam/Traffic Safety Coalition
San Antonio, Texas
In recognition of the coalition’s outreach efforts to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries in the San Antonio metropolitan area.
David Wallace
Former Director, National Center for DWI Courts
Alexandria, Virginia
In recognition of your tireless efforts in establishing DWI courts as an option for removing impaired drivers from our roadways.