The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department has received the “Zero Fatal Award” from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).

The THSO recognized the local department at the annual Cumberland region awards meeting at Fall Creek Falls on Dec. 8. The event was hosted by Law Enforcement Liaison Fred Sherrill.

The “Zero Fatal Award” is presented annually to law enforcement agencies with no fatal crashes in their jurisdictions. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department is considered a key partner of the THSO for continuing to save lives by preventing fatal crashes.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said his department works year-round to keep DeKalb’s roads safe.

“About one in three traffic deaths in the United States involve a drunk driver and millions get behind the wheel intoxicated every year,” Ray said. “Thanks to our dedicated law enforcement officers here in DeKalb County, our traffic fatalities were at zero in this reporting period. I am very proud to accept this award for DeKalb County. I want the citizens of DeKalb County to know local law enforcement officers have worked very hard this year to combat drunk drivers on our highways here in DeKalb County."