The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office reports last Wednesday, March 27th, Deputy Kent Gries was awarded the “Commissioner’s Special Award for Excellence in Traffic Safety” with regards to his efforts in reducing impaired drivers and promoting traffic safety on Guthrie County’s roads. The award was presented to Deputy Gries at the 26th annual Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau Conference in Okoboji, by Roxann M. Ryan, Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety and Patrick Hoye, Bureau Chief of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau.

Dep. Kent Gries (2014 file photo)

Over 250 law enforcement officers attended this year’s conference.  Accompanying Deputy Gries were Chief Deputy Bennett and Sheriff Arganbright.  The Iowa Department of Public Safety annually recognizes outstanding contributions to traffic safety based on commitment and service provided beyond routine duties, creativity of approach, and effectiveness of a traffic safety program or campaign in 2015.

The following citation was read aloud while Deputy Gries received his award,

“In 2015, Deputy Gries led the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office with 90 arrests including 10 felony arrests, 32 OWIs, and 50 drug arrests – which included 19 drug impaired drivers.   He has amassed over 200 drug arrests in the last 4 years.  He issued 18 citations for open containers or minors in possession.   He issued citations or arrested 26 unlicensed drivers, issued 183 traffic citations and 334 warnings.  He provides leadership to younger deputies by practicing field sobriety tests with them and he has handed over his own OWI stops and assisted them to help the less experienced deputies to gain confidence.  He started and administers a Facebook page that has gained to 2,000 followers since it started in 2015.  He developed and implemented a citizen’s academy.  He donated his own time and money to get the 7-night/21-hour class off the ground.  The class was well received and more are planned including one for high school students.  Deputy Gries is the essence of dedication.”