FMPD’s Traffic Unit Receives Prestigious Award

The Fort Myers Police Department’s Traffic Unit was honored recently by the Florida Law Enforcement Liaison for their participation in the Florida Click It or Ticket Challenge. FMPD competed with over 30 agencies of similar size in the Southwest Region which consists of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry and Collier counties taking third place overall.

The Florida Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) Program is a grant funded program sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The goal of the LEL program is to reduce traffic related fatalities and injuries by working with law enforcement agencies across the state to boost safety belt use and encourage traffic safety initiatives.

The Click It or Ticket Challenge is specifically designed to promote traffic safety through increased enforcement, reducing the number of overall crashes, and increasing the seat belt usage rate. Proven by research, it is well known that an increase in traffic enforcement in a community results in a decrease in motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

Agencies were measured not only by the enforcement aspect of the challenge but the educational awareness campaign. This coupled with whether or not the jurisdictions had an increase or decrease in motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities during the campaign dates were determining factors.

“The traffic unit is dedicated to making our roadways safe for residents and visitors in the City of Fort Myers. This award symbolizes their efforts in reaching that goal,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Victor Medico.

(Pictured from left to right is NHTSA Manager Sandy Richardson, Officer Lesa Breneman, Officer Jason Sandt, Officer Dallas Smart, Officer Gustavo Gonclaves, Click It or Ticket Challenger Coordinator Charlie Kane and FDOT Traffic Safety Administrator Ken Ellis)