(KNZA)--Special honors Thursday for both the Brown County Sheriff's Department and the Hiawatha Police Department, recognized by Triple A and the Kansas Department of Transportation. 

The recognition came during a luncheon ceremony at Gus's restaurant in Hiawatha, with the two agencies commended for their successful traffic safety efforts, including a focus on seatbelt awareness. 

Michael Right, Triple A Vice-President of Public Affairs, presented plaques of recognition to both Brown County Sheriff John Merchant and Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore. “Triple A is delighted to be here today to recognize two law enforcement agencies for their efforts to improve the quality of life, in particular the traffic safety in the community, the Brown County Sheriff's Department as well as the Hiawatha Police Agency,” Right told MSC News. Both were recognized for “their efforts to coordinate cost effective efforts to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries on the streets and highways in this area.”   

Merchant commends the teamwork between his office and other local agencies for keeping motorists safe. “We couldn't do it without all our partnering agencies, the Highway Patrol, the tribal law enforcement, the city police departments and everybody else. It's an honor to serve the public the way we do and we appreciate all the support we get.” 

Defore voiced his appreciation on behalf of his department. “I think it's an awesome honor. It's something that we always aspire to do, but it's for the community as much as it is anyone.”  

Among local dignitaries in attendance for the ceremony was Hiawatha Mayor Crosby Gernon. “We're very happy that John was recognized in this way as well as the Brown County Sheriff's Office.”  

Following the recognition ceremony, and lunch, KDOT Law Enforcement Liaison Bob Hamilton gave a presentation focused on statewide efforts of traffic safety, including the widely utilized Click It Or Ticket and Seat Belts Are For Everyone campaigns.