The Key West Police Department’s and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office’s Motor Unit and traffic patrol teams earned first place in the statewide Law Enforcement Liaison Traffic Safety Challenge. Key West Police were tops in their category of agencies with 101-200 officers, while MCSO led its category of agencies with 201-400 officers.
Before anyone starts envisioning a bunch of patrol cars and motorcycles maneuvering through a high-speed and hair-raising obstacle course, this isn’t that kind of challenge. This was more about spreadsheets than spike strips — but more beneficial for the community’s safety.
The traffic safety challenge “recognizes agencies for the effectiveness of their traffic safety efforts,” states the challenge’s website. “The challenge is conducted annually to increase traffic safety education and enforcement to reduce crashes, serious injuries and fatalities on Florida’s roadways. Awards honor agencies with outstanding traffic safety programs, innovative practices and the ‘best of the best’ in traffic safety across Florida.”
Still, Key West Police Department’s traffic safety efforts ranked first among police departments its size. That doesn’t mean they wrote the most speeding tickets, far from it. The recognition means the department is taking its commitment to “protect and serve” seriously, and is reducing traffic injuries and deaths with a combination of efforts, including education and community involvement.
“I want to congratulate Officers Alex Gaufillet, Randall Hartle, Derek Wallis, Jesse Young, Mike Pettee and Mike Andruzzi,” Chief Sean Brandenburg said following the July 31 win. “Our Motors Team consistently demonstrates excellence, professionalism and dedication, not only in their daily law enforcement responsibilities, but also through their specialized assignments and unwavering commitment to serving our community. Their hard work, discipline and passion for public safety continue to set the standard.”
Hartle was individually recognized with the Exemplary Officer award for his commitment to safety and the statewide Click It or Ticket campaign.
“This recognition reflects Hartle’s enforcement efforts as well as his genuine commitment to the community and its safety,” Brandenburg said.
