Sevierville Police Department Officers Receive Governor’s Highway Safety Office and Mothers Against Drunk Driving Awards

Two City of Sevierville Police Department (SPD) officers were recently recognized by the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) as top traffic enforcement officers in East Tennessee.

 Officer Phillip G. West, a three year veteran with the SPD, was named as a GHSO Officer of the Year for his overall commitment to traffic safety. In 2014, Officer West worked diligently to enforce traffic laws and made over one-hundred arrests and assisted at over fifty traffic crash scenes. Additionally, during the 2014 GHSO Click It or Ticket campaign, Officer West worked many overtime hours in an effort to save motorist lives through enforcement of seatbelt laws. SPD Sgt. T.C. Faulconer, who nominated Officer West, said “Officer West regularly exceeds expectations and is clearly committed to providing outstanding police service to our community.”

Officer Justin Armstrong, received the MADD DUI Enforcement Officer of the Year Award for 2014. Officer Armstrong, who has been with the SPD for just over two years, made fifteen DUI arrests. “Each year, MADD recognizes law enforcement officers across the state who excel in impaired driving enforcement,” said Kate Ritchie, State Program Director of MADD Tennessee. “We know that they put their lives on the line each day, and we thank them for their service. They are the reason that many of us are able to return home to our families at night. No matter how much education and awareness MADD does, it takes officers out there enforcing the laws for us to really make a difference.”

The SPD has participated in the GHSO traffic safety program for several years and plans to continue into the future. “Along with the GHSO, we are committed to making our roads safer for everyone. Consistent traffic enforcement is one element that we will continue to utilize,” said Chief Myers.

“Our partnerships with law enforcement agencies are extremely valuable,” Kendell Poole, Director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Office said. “It is our honor to recognize the men and women who go above and beyond to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities. We know that their efforts are making an impact across the state of Tennessee.”

(ATTACHED PHOTO: Officer Justin Armstrong, left; Officer Phillip West, right.)