Law Enforcement Officers receive High Five Seat Belt Safety Recognition

KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) - Officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), and local law enforcement agencies gathered at the Kearney Law Enforcement Center on November 23 to give High Five recognition to members of the law enforcement community for their efforts in promoting seat belt use in Nebraska.

“The High Five Rural Traffic Safety Project is aimed at increasing seat belt use and decreasing serious crashes in the state,” said Bill Kovarik, NDOT Highway Safety Office Administrator. “The initiative addresses lower seat belt compliance and the disproportionate number of serious and fatal crashes on rural roads when compared to urban areas.”

Susan DeCourcy, NHTSA Regional Administrator, offered thoughts on why she likes Nebraska’s program. “Nebraska is unique in its multidisciplinary approach bringing together the NDOT, Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), local sheriff’s offices, and police departments. The collaborative effort is a great example for others to follow.”

Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh explained that law enforcement is working every day to protect the public and make the roads safer for everyone. Kearney Police Department participates in the NHTSA high visibility enforcements to reduce the dangerous driving behavior that is causing the injury and fatality crashes.

NSP Colonel John Bolduc spoke on the impact of traffic enforcement efforts and the Community Service Policing Activity. “By connecting with the community and providing interactive presentations to emphasize the importance of safe driving habits, we are able to make a positive impact.”

Adams County Sheriff John Rust also touched upon traffic enforcement efforts and the success of the public education activity at the local level.

DeCourcy and Kovarik gave High Five recognition to the following officers:

- Kearney Police Department – Chief Bryan Waugh presenting to: Officer Nedko Oreshkov

- Buffalo County Sheriff – Neil Miller presenting to: Deputy Nathan Howe

- Hamilton County Sheriff – Jeromy McCoy presenting to: Deputy Connor Peters

- Hall County Sheriff – Rick Conrad presenting to: Deputy Luis Rojas

- Grand Island Police Department – Captain Jim Duering presenting to: Officer Corbin DeMay

- Nebraska State Patrol – Colonel Bolduc presenting to Trooper Ryan Stirn

These High Five recipients exemplify the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and their continued commitment to increase seat belt use and decrease serious crashes in Nebraska.