Police department first in state to earn national traffic safety award
by Laura Bednar
The Independence Police Department became the first in Ohio to earn the 2024 Destination Zero National Officer Safety and Wellness Award in the traffic safety category. The award is presented by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
The NLEOMF was created to honor the fallen, tell the story of American law enforcement and make it safer for those who serve, according to its website. The organization hosts a national database of programs to promote officer safety and wellness. Its Destination Zero program aims to identify and share programs that reduce risk factors for line-of-duty details.
“At the annual Destination Zero National Officer Safety and Wellness awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., the Memorial Fund recognizes law enforcement departments from across the country who have implemented cutting-edge officer safety and wellness programs that provide best practices and material to help reduce the number of officer fatalities and increase officer wellness and safety,” according to the website.
Independence’s approach to officer wellness earned the department the award by focusing on physical, mental, financial and family-oriented initiatives. Some of the notable traffic safety initiatives Independence has adopted include:
- Portable generators for intersections to improve officer safety while managing traffic
- Reflective vests and coats for increased visibility
- Portable LED lights for traffic control
- Updated cruiser lighting, body camera and dash camera systems
- Portable speed tables to slow motorists in high-traffic areas. The first were installed on Hillside Road in September.
The release stated that these efforts have contributed to a decrease in traffic accidents and an increase in proactive patrols. Police Chief Robert Butler shared a video at the State of the City address this fall that said the department also uses drones to get a bird’s eye view of a car accident or other incident to determine needed resources or locate a victim.“To win the Destination Zero award is a highlight of my career and highlights our department,” said Butler in the video. “This is the first step to a long pathway to make sure we continue to focus on officer wellness.”
photo caption: Pictured at the Destination Zero National Officer Safety and Wellness award ceremony are (l-r) National Law Enforcement Memorial Chief Executive Officer Bill Alexander, Independence Police Chief Robert Butler, Sgt. Everett Haworth, and Lt. Mark Buehner. Photo submitted.