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Police department recognized for traffic safety efforts

By Staff | Jan 6, 2010

The Rugby Police Department has stepped up its efforts over the past year in promoting and enforcing seat belt use; cracked down on impaired drivers; and adopted a zero tolerance policy on alcohol use by minors.

And their work hasn’t gone unnoticed. The department was awarded a $3,000 ASSISTS (alcohol, seatbelt and speed intervention to support traffic safety) federal grant from the N.D. Department of Transportation for its efforts to reduce traffic-related deaths and accidents in the community.

Representatives of the DOT presented Luis Coca, police chief, with the check at the Jan. 4 city council meeting.

Mike Nelson, DOT safety division director, praised the tremendous strides the department has made. This has included: providing regular child seat belt checks to make sure they are properly installed in vehicles; offering ride service for bar patrons incapacitated to drive home; establishing a Safe Communities chapter in Rugby and promoting the Click it Quick teen safe driving program. And most recently, conducting compliance checks at businesses which sell alcohol to ensure they are not selling/serving alcohol to anyone under 21 and starting a 25 Alive program for young drivers.

Nelson also pointed out the department has worked with the local media in informing the community of these programs.

The department applied for the grant a year ago and Coca was surprised to learn last month the city was chosen.

“This recognized the whole department as well as the community for their support,’ Coca said. “It’s something the community can take pride in.”