(KMZA)--The Seneca Police Department has been recognized by AAA Kansas for their efforts in addressing local traffic safety issues. 

Jim Hanni, vice-president of AAA Kansas, presented Police Chief Jordan Weaver with the organization’s 2016 Community Traffic Safety SILVER award during the Seneca City Council meeting Wednesday evening.

Hanni said only twenty-five police departments across the state were selected for the 2016 awards.   Its the first time the Seneca Police Department has received the award.

Hanni says the award is presented by AAA to encourage communities to address local traffic safety issues in a coordinated and cost-effective way.

Among other things the department received points for their participation in seatbelt enforcement campaigns—including SAFE.  

Hanni says evidence of their efforts this past year are borne out in that the city has seen a drop in vehicle occupant injuries from 14 to 8 and no fatalities over the past five years.