DPD Honors Traffic Safety Officer of the Year

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

The Dalton Police Department honored Officer Ruben Ruiz as the 2024 Traffic Safety Officer of the Year at Tuesday morning's meeting of the Dalton Public Safety Commission. Officer Ruiz was selected for the honor in part for recording 71 DUI arrests in 2024. 

"By (making those DUI arrests), he effectively safeguarded lives within the community," said Sergeant David Saylors, who presented Officer Ruiz with the award Tuesday. "Furthermore, his relentless pursuit of other violations like speeding, safety belts, and distracted driving, has reduced the potential for high speed collisions throughout the city."

Caption: Sergeant David Saylors (left) presented the 2024 Traffic Safety Officer of the Year Award to Officer Ruben Ruiz on Tuesday

In a letter nominating Ruiz for the honor, Sergeant Saylor also noted that Ruiz's efforts go beyond traffic enforcement and extend to education as well. 

"He played an integral role in educating the public about responsible driving practices," Saylors wrote. "He actively participated in various events organized by the department, providing knowledge about traffic safety to audiences of diverse age groups. Such initiatives are crucial for fostering safer driving habits among motorists across all demographics."

The DPD recognizes an officer each year for outstanding performance in traffic safety enforcement and education as part of the agency's participation in the Governor's Office of Highway Safety Challenge.