(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office has been recognized by AAA Kansas for their efforts in addressing local traffic safety issues.

Bob Hamilton, law enforcement liaison for the Kansas Department of Transportation, presented the 2021 Community Platinum Traffic Safety Award to the Sheriff's Office, which was accepted by Undersheriff Brian Guilliams.

Its the fifth consecutive year the Sheriff's Office has received the Platinum Award, which is the highest award given.

In order to obtain the platinum status , agencies must meet many requirements all geared towards educating and working with  the public on traffic safety.

The Brown County Sheriff's office has implemented the Seatbelts Are For Everyone (SAFE) program as well as one of the few agencies to teach First Aid, CPR and AED training to high school students. Many other programs and initiatives have been provided to help inform and educate county residents, which enabled the Sheriff's office to earn this most prestigious award.

According to Hamilton,  "The people of Brown County are very fortunate to have such dedicated officers at their Sheriff's office"

The Sheriff's Office is among thirty-five law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas receiving awards for their 2021 work to keep roadways in their cities and counties safe through a variety of initiatives and programs.

Also locally, the Hiawatha and Horton Police Departments received gold awards.