Woodbury Police Chief Tony Burnett recently attended the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Denver, Colorado. The reason for the trip was to receive a national award along with four other coordinators across the Cumberland Region. The award is given each year to a region across the United States and Canada for its efforts at highway safety. This is the second year in a row that we have received this award.
The State is divided into four regions and each region has a Law Enforcement Liaison and a number of coordinators depending on the size of that region. The coordinators are responsible for gathering statistics and organizing highway safety events in their area. Chief Burnett is in his fourth year as a coordinator.
The Woodbury Police Department is receiving a $25,000 grant this year for the position. This grant money can be used for equipment, overtime and other expenses. This year the Department plans to upgrade its training and court room, replace and purchase equipment. We fully intend on participating in programs that make Tennessee roadways safe. The State has seen a drastic decrease over the past two years in fatalities and continues to work hard at increasing seat belt usage and correct usage of child safety seats.
The Police Department has received approximately $220,000 over the past four years. This grant money has been used to purchase cameras, radar units, light bars, overtime, in-car and desktop computers, officer’s safety equipment, and other equipment related to highway safety.
The department received an additional $5000 this year as a result of the award. Last year we received this award a and purchased a golf cart, cones and goggles used to teach students at the high school the harmful effects of drinking and driving. The golf cart is also used at the football games and other community events.