MORGANTOWN — The Morgantown Police Department received the Community Traffic Safety Platinum Award from the Automobile Association of America (AAA).
This marks the 12th consecutive year MPD has received the award, according to a press release from Police Chief Ed Preston.
Officers representing law enforcement agencies from across the state attended the awards presentation in Bridgeport recently.
In addition to the city police department, every law enforcement agency in Monongalia County was recognized for efforts regarding traffic safety.
The Platinum Award is the highest award given by AAA. It is representative of the numerous traffic safety measures the city has implemented in recent years, including creating a Pedestrian Safety Board and Bicycle Board, hosting the ARIDE program, and DWI Enhanced Enforcement.
“These awards are another indication of the tireless efforts of the city, Morgantown Police Department and other law enforcement agencies in protecting motorists and pedestrians in our area,” Preston said in the release.
This year’s plaque will be displayed along with other Traffic Safety Awards at the Morgantown Police Department.
AAA East Central honored 37 police departments with Platinum Awards, while an additional 12 departments were honored with Gold, Silver or Bronze awards.
“We are honored to recognize these local departments for their efforts in the Community Traffic Safety Program,” Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs for AAA East Central, said in a press release from AAA. “Each organization has gone above and beyond their call of duty to make their community a safer place for motorists and residents.”
Recipients of the Platinum awards included police departments in Grafton, Granville, Kingwood, Star City, Westover and WVU, according to AAA’s release.
Also receiving the award were sheriff’s departments in Marion, Monongalia, Preston and Taylor counties, as well as West Virginia State Police Troops in Fairmont and Morgantown.
The Fairmont Police Department earned a Silver award and the Masontown Police Department, a Bronze award.
AAA East Central conducts a variety of free highway safety programs throughout West Virginia focusing on all age groups. The Club also partners with law enforcement and safety agencies on initiatives to improve the safety of the community and local highways.
