Recognizing Public Safety
Personnel

I recently had the honor of attending the annual Oregon DUII Multi-Disciplinary Impaired Driving training conference in Bend sponsored by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The focus of the training conference was on DUII and traffic safety bringing together personnel from across Oregon representing police departments, sheriffs offices, district attorneys and other service providers.

At lunch there was an awards ceremony honoring individuals and teams from the Beaverton Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, a Clackamas County Deputy District Attorney and a Klamath County volunteer who have made significant contributions to Oregon's traffic safety.

As we drive across Oregon's roadway systems, we have the comfort of driving from point A to point B, expecting to reach our destinations safely. With our road system being one of the best in the country, however, it does come at a price.

Little do we think of the hazards we might encounter on our journey, whether it be an impaired driver, a reckless driver or someone speeding. The hazards are very clear as we read and hear media reports about motor vehicle accidents, injuries and fatalities. The statistics are very disturbing.

Our city, rural, and interstate roads are patrolled proactively by city police officers, sheriffs' office deputies and state police troopers. They team up to work saturation patrols focusing on high risk drivers who pose a hazard to other motorists.

The Oregon State Sheriffs' Association has partnered with ODOT's Traffic Safety Division since 1998. Through ODOT's traffic safety grants, OSSA's focus has been on DUII impaired drivers and safety belt enforcement. OSSA's goal is to help reduce the risks to Oregon's motorists by having the enforcement presence of patrol deputies on our road systems. The outcome of our efforts is to reduce motor vehicle accidents, injuries and fatalities.

The point of my message is to recognize and acknowledge the positive work of public safety personnel and volunteers who contribute to helping make Oregon's roads safe. They do all of this, to make a difference in our communities.

Back to top