Friday, March 28, 2008 – MPO Liz Strickland was awarded the Medal of Merit at the Gwinnet Chamber’s 2008 Valor Awards for her efforts in Duluth’s Operation Drive Smart Program.
Operation Drive Smart was initiated by the Duluth Police Department in an effort to educate teen drivers about some of the common behaviors that result in numerous traffic fatalities each year. MPO Strickland coordinates this program which forms partnerships with law enforcement agencies and public safety workers. The ultimate goal of this program is saving as many teen lives as possible through joint efforts by law enforcement agencies, public safety officials and the corporate community. The Operation Drive Smart Expo and “In a Spilt Second” programs were introduced in Gwinnett County High Schools. As the demand for the Operation Drive Smart Program increased and the availability of funds for this program increased, the Duluth Police Department has been able to reach outside of Gwinnett County. The Operation Drive Smart Program has now been conducted at 64 high schools in Georgia. Fatality crashes involving teens is not just a local problem, but a state and nationwide problem. The Duluth Police Department and MPO Strickland will continue their efforts to educate as many teens throughout the state as possible.
Congratulations MPO Liz Strickland for a job well done. Your contributions to our community and beyond are commendable and admired.
For more information about Operation Drive Smart contact MPO Liz Strickland at 678-475-3521 or lstrickland@duluthpd.com.
