The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office has garnered accolades for its outstanding work in traffic safety, as recognized at the Tennessee Livesavers Conference and Law Enforcement Challenge in Nashville earlier this month. According to a social media post by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, they took home two prestigious awards—one for being the Overall Winner of the Law Enforcement Challenge and another for earning the highest score in their division, representing agencies with 201-500 certified officers.
The success spotlight shines on Patrol Sgt. Austin Watson, who spearheaded the submission that led to these accolades, compiling a report that included the department's adherence to policies and guidelines, activities organized by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), and efforts in public education on traffic safety. Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh praised Sgt. Watson's contribution stating, "Sgt. Watson has done an outstanding job for Rutherford County Sheriff's Office concerning highway safety in our county," as reported by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office.
The conference provides a platform not only for recognition but also for empowerment of highway safety professionals, which features categories such as child passenger safety drug recognition, and traffic enforcement among others. The THSO is committed to celebrating individuals and agencies that go above the call of duty in working towards reducing traffic-related fatalities across Tennessee.
Emphasizing the importance of the work of traffic safety officials THSO Director Buddy Lewis expressed gratitude towards the local heroes stating, "Whether you are a first responder, community advocate, prosecutor or law enforcement officer – you play an important role in traffic safety and make a difference in saving lives every day," and the agency values the "hard work and dedication" of its partners in the relentless pursuit of a vision with zero deaths on Tennessee roads, as per Rutherford County Sheriff's Office.
