The Rock County Sheriff’s Office demonstrated extraordinary commitment and achievement in reducing traffic-related deaths and injuries in 2004, which warranted a federal grant of $1,000 from the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. The Safe & Sober Challenge program grant was presented to Sheriff Michael Winkels and Deputies Ken Baker, Evan Verbrugge and Nick Schafer by OTS on Dec. 28. The Rock County Sheriff’s Office plans to use the grant to purchase traffic safety equipment to be utilized in further traffic safety efforts"We are honored to have the opportunity to continue to make the roads safer in Rock County," Deputy Baker said. "This grant enables us to conduct critical traffic safety projects and activities."The awards are based on the merits of traffic safety activities that law enforcement agencies conducted in 2004, including community focused programs, enforcement, officer training, public and media relations and presentations. The Rock County Sheriff’s Office continued a long-standing tradition of dedicated service and further reduced traffic- related tragedies over the past year. "We plan to continue our efforts in 2005, and with the generous grant provided by the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety we will be better suited for the challenge," Baker said. "The Rock County Sheriff’s Office is a successful model for all Minnesota law enforcement agencies," said Kathy Swanson, Director of OTS. "Their proactive traffic safety initiatives have saved lives."The Safe & Sober Challenge program is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by OTS. Safe & Sober is designed to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries.