Calhoun Police Takes First Place, Rome Police Earns Second in Statewide Highway Safety Awards

The Calhoun Police Department and Rome Police Department were recognized for their highway safety efforts during the 27th annual Governor’s Challenge Awards, with both agencies earning top-three finishes in their respective categories.

The awards ceremony, hosted by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, was held at the Macon Centreplex and recognized law enforcement agencies across the state for their efforts to prevent traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities.

The Calhoun Police Department took first place in Category 3, which includes departments with 26 to 45 officers. Calhoun finished ahead of the Morrow Police Department, which placed second, and the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department, which earned third place.

The Rome Police Department earned second place in Category 5, representing agencies with 76 to 100 officers. The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office claimed first place, while the Valdosta Police Department finished third.

The Governor’s Challenge recognizes law enforcement agencies of various sizes for their year-round commitment to improving traffic safety through enforcement, public education and community outreach.

Participating agencies are evaluated on the effectiveness of their overall highway safety programs, including efforts to address local traffic concerns, educate the public and establish department policies that support traffic safety initiatives.

Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Allen Poole said the annual awards provide an opportunity to recognize officers and agencies working to protect motorists throughout the state.

The program emphasizes efforts to encourage drivers to wear seat belts, obey speed limits, avoid impaired driving and remain free from distractions behind the wheel.

The annual competition includes eight categories based on agency size, along with awards for campus and university police, military police, traffic enforcement networks, specialized highway safety programs and individual coordinators.

Snellville Police Department received the inaugural Director’s Cup, the program’s overall grand prize, after earning 237 out of a possible 260 points. The department also won first place in Category 4 and was named HEAT Team of the Year.

The Governor’s Challenge is designed to promote continued improvements in traffic safety and support the statewide goal of reducing roadway deaths.

The full list of this year’s Governor’s Challenge winners is as follows: