DENNIS – Members of the Dennis Police recently accepted the American Automobile Association’s Gold Award in recognition of outstanding achievements in traffic safety and continuing efforts to educate and protect the citizens in Dennis.
In addition, Henry Bowen, Chairman of the Town of Dennis Road Safety Task Force, was awarded with a AAA “Community Traffic Safety Hero” award for his contributions towards traffic safety in the Town of Dennis.
The Dennis Police Department received the award for sponsoring numerous traffic safety programs during the year.
“The award recognizes the fact that we do more than just hand out tickets”, Chief Peter DiMatteo said.
The Traffic Unit, one of the components of the department’s Community Services Unit, is comprised of Officer Christopher Hennigan and supervised by Sergeant Kenneth Gelnett.
“Traffic enforcement and crash prevention is not the sole responsibility of the Traffic Unit”, Chief Dimatteo said,
“We encourage all sworn members of the Department to take an active part in traffic enforcement and crash prevention. The Department also reaches out to other Town departments, such as the Town Engineer and Department of Public Works, to correct road design issues that create unsafe conditions.”
AAA noted the following activities conducted by the Department in support of the award:
- Older Wiser Driver Program – This Program is held in conjunction with AAA. Classroom setting which has helpful tips for Seniors Citizens with any driving issues faced on Cape Cod and during the winter months.
- Buckle Up Pledge Drive – This program is held at the Dennis Yarmouth High School. Students are asked to pledge to wear their seat belts. Program held just prior to the Senior Prom.
- Mock Crash – This program is held at the Dennis Yarmouth High School. A fatal crash is simulated with participants being High School Seniors. Program conducted prior to Graduation.
- Yellow Blitz – Officers conduct proactive enforcement for school bus violations.
- Crosswalk Decoy Program – Officers conduct proactive enforcement for crosswalk violations. One Officer is in plain clothes walking across crosswalk. One Officer in unmarked unit stopping any violators.
- Click it or Ticket Enforcement – Officers conduct proactive enforcement for seat belt violations.
- Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over – Officers conduct proactive enforcement for OUI violations.
- Officers utilize the Departments Message Board, Speed Trailer, and Trax system to educate and inform the motoring public as well as to conduct traffic studies.
- Officers work with local committees such as the Road Safety Task Force to enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
