SCSO Gets Traffic Safety Award from GOHS

A state agency recognizes the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office for its traffic enforcement efforts.

The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety recently recognized the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office as the Agency of the Year for the Northeast Georgia Traffic Enforcement Network.

The Northeast Georgia Traffic Enforcement Network covers about 14 counties in the northeast part of the state, including counties like Hall County.

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Harris Blackwood came to Toccoa this week to present the Sheriff’s Office with the award.

Blackwood said he is pleased to recognize the Sheriff’s Office for its hard work.

“I think (the award) speaks volumes about Sheriff Shirley and his commitment to traffic safety,” said Blackwood. “In all areas of traffic safety, whether it be passenger safety, DUI enforcement, speed enforcement, or pedestrian safety, this Sheriff’s Office sets the example for northeast Georgia.”

Blackwood also commended the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office for its participation in its regular traffic safety campaigns like Operation Zero Tolerance and Click It or Ticket and for regularly reporting traffic data to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said it is an honor for the Sheriff’s Office to be recognized.

“When I was running for Sheriff, one of things I heard about was young people involved in accidents,” said Shirley. “So I was committed then, if I were elected, to start a Traffic and Drug Interdiction Unit.”

Shirley started that unit and said the deputies in that Traffic Enforcement Unit are doing an excellent job and he appreciates the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety for recognizing those efforts.

In a separate note, Blackwood said that the Sheriff’s Office is receiving a new “intox machine” to help with DUI enforcement.