Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office celebrated a trio of deputies recognized for their dedication to seat belt safety. According to social media post, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office honored Patrol Deputy Gabriel Commodore and Sheriff’s Sgt. Gary Herron and Deputy Laura Kunce from the Community Engagement Unit last Thursday.
Commodore was awarded the Seat Belt Enforcement Award, and it has been a particular cause for pride how his enforcement efforts have correlated with a 50.6 percent decline in crashes involving unbelted occupants from 2024 to 2025 in Rutherford County. His record includes 596 traffic stops, compelling the proper use of restraints through a combination of citations and warnings, and providing vital child safety seats to parents in need. Sgt. Austin Watson, who nominated Commodore, noted, “I am proud to say that Deputy Commodore expanding his knowledge helped reduce serious injury and fatal wrecks when it comes to seat belts in Rutherford County,” as noted by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office.
Herron and Kunce, both certified child passenger safety technicians, received the Child Passenger Safety Award. Herron’s proactive approach, specifically his collaboration with Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford’s Birthing Center, has significantly raised awareness among new parents about car seat installation and child passenger laws. This has translated into more parents committing to the correct use of car seats, a direct correlation with Herron's educational efforts in the community.
Kunce's contributions were highlighted through her organization of a back-to-school event which, while providing over 200 students with necessary school supplies, also served a dual purpose. "More importantly, it served as a powerful platform for educating parents and children on car seat safety, proper seat belt use and the importance of booster seats until children meet the appropriate height and weight guidelines,” Watson attuned. Checks and installations at this event helped ensure that the community’s children were transported safely, according to the Sheriff's Office.
The ceremony, celebrating these deputies' achievements in seat belt safety, was attended by Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh and Rutherford County Sheriff's Office supervisors.
