GBPD tops all agencies statewide

Paulding

The Gulf Breeze Police Department has been named the Championship Category winners of the 2007 Florida Law Enforcement Challenge and Traffic Safety Awards, a competition among Florida law enforcement agencies and traffic safety organiza- tions to be named the "best of the best" in traffic safety.

Sergeant Andrew Johnson coordinated the effort, gathering the data and creating the submission that was judged by traffic experts from across the state. The Gulf Breeze Police Department won the award last year in competition among agencies of their same small size. However, by winning last year, they were competing this year in the Championship Class, which is composed of all of the different category winners from the previous year. The Gulf Breeze Police Department won the award for the Championship Category this year, beating out every other entrant for the title of "Best Traffic Safety Agency" in the State of Florida. The category winners receive equipment to expand and continue their traffic safety efforts.

Sergeant Andrew Johnson attended the award ceremony in Orlando and received the award on behalf of the department. Sergeant Johnson's efforts won traffic safety equipment worth approximately $15,000.

Each year, the Safety Office recognizes law enforcement agencies throughout the state for successful implementation of effective traffic safety programs through the Florida Law Enforcement Challenge. This year, law enforcement agencies were judged on efforts in DUI, speeding and safety belt enforcement, as well as creative approaches to traffic management and public education. Each agency was judged against similar-sized peer agencies.

Winning agencies receive traffic safety equipment to help further their efforts to save lives and prevent traffic injuries in their communities throughout Florida. The Florida Law Enforcement Challenge competition is coordinated and funded by the Florida Department of Transportation.