10/26/2026
WELL, WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT!
We entered the Georgia Governor's Challenge for the very first time this year.
And when we decided to enter, we weren't about to do it halfway. We put in the work, gathered the numbers, highlighted our programs, and showed exactly what BCSO has been doing to make Bryan County's roadways safer.
Apparently, we understood the assignment.
Last week, the Bryan County Sheriff's Office brought home the Governor's Challenge Special Award for OCCUPANT PROTECTION!
This award recognizes our efforts throughout 2025 to keep drivers and passengers safe through seat belt enforcement, child passenger safety education, community outreach, and innovative traffic enforcement strategies.
And when we started putting together our application, even we were impressed with some of the numbers!
🚔 776 seat belt citations in 2025, up 74% from the previous year.
🚔 62 child restraint citations, an increase of 121%.
🚔 Six special drone-assisted enforcement operations focusing on occupant protection and distracted driving.
🚔 Two seat belt usage surveys, with Bryan County recording an 87% usage rate at the end of 2025.
But here's the part that matters most.
Behind those numbers are deputies who take traffic safety seriously, a team that works hard to educate our community, and an agency that isn't afraid to try something new if it means making our roadways safer.
We are incredibly proud of this recognition and thankful to the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety for recognizing the work being done right here in Bryan County.
And to our deputies and staff who made this possible, this one's yours! 💙
OH, AND ONE MORE THING... 👀
We also made it to the FINAL TWO for a brand-new patrol car giveaway!
That's right. We were THIS CLOSE to bringing home a new set of wheels, too!
And we're not saying we had already made plans for that new patrol car... but our PIO (aka ME) had already called dibs on driving it home. 😂
In the end, Donalsonville Police Department took home the keys this time. Congratulations to them!
We're not bitter or anything. We'll just be over here admiring our trophy.
Maybe next year they'll let us bring home BOTH!
First time entering the Governor's Challenge.
First award.
Almost a new patrol car.
We might have to make a habit out of this!
