Berkeley County Chief of Staff Eric Burnett, Jane “J.J.” Miller, safety advisor for AAA East Central and Chief Eric Widmeyer of the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department pose with awards. Photo by Tom Markland

MARTINSBURG — Ten local law enforcement agencies were recognized on Nov. 11 for their continued commitment to roadway safety, earning top honors in this year’s AAA Community Traffic Safety Awards.

The ceremony brought together officers from departments across the Eastern Panhandle, where AAA East Central representatives presented awards acknowledging outstanding efforts to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities on West Virginia roads.

Agencies honored included the Berkeley County, Jefferson County and Morgan County sheriff’s departments, as well as municipal police departments from Martinsburg, Ranson, Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown and Berkeley Springs, and the West Virginia State Police Troop 2 detachments in Martinsburg and Charles Town.

Each received AAA’s Platinum Award, the highest level of distinction within AAA’s national program, given to departments that have demonstrated consistent, long-term success in enforcing traffic safety laws, conducting public education campaigns and maintaining programs that promote safe driving behaviors year after year.

The AAA Community Traffic Safety Awards recognize agencies that go beyond routine patrols to address the causes of motor vehicle crashes, including speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving and seat belt violations, while also hosting public outreach programs on issues like child passenger safety and pedestrian awareness.

Preliminary data for 2025 show traffic deaths trending lower for the second consecutive year. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety, estimates for 2024 showed a 3.8% decrease in fatalities compared to 2023, marking the first time since 2020 that fatalities have fallen below 40,000, despite the average miles driven by Americans continues to increase.

Berkeley County Chief of Staff Eric Burnett said his department has been focused on increasing visibility and targeted enforcement, particularly along Interstate 81 and other major connecting routes. He noted that officers routinely participate in regional traffic safety operations and education campaigns designed to prevent crashes before they happen.

Berkeley County has won the award for many years now, so many to the point where they have an entire wall of their office covered in the ones they’ve received over the years.

Departments across the region have made similar commitments, implementing programs that range from DUI checkpoints and school safety initiatives to distracted driving prevention efforts.

According to Jane “J.J.” Miller, safety advisor for AAA East Central, the award highlights not only consistent enforcement but also a sustained dedication to community outreach and driver education.