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Sergeant Dermot O’Connell receiving an RSA Leading Light award from RSA Chairperson, Liz O’Donnell
A GARDA in Killarney has won an ‘Emergency Services Award’ at the RSA’s ‘Leading Lights’ awards.
Sergeant Dermot O’Connell, Sergeant In Charge at Killarney Garda Station, was honoured by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) for his road safety initiative ‘Operation Páistí’ which addressed the serious lack of awareness among motorists about how to restrain children correctly in vehicles.
The award was presented to Sergeant O’Connell by RSA Chairperson Liz O’Donnell at the 11th annual ‘Leading Lights in Road Safety’ Awards at Croke Park.
Sergeant O’Connell developed a fun and interactive road safety campaign to make it easier for parents and children to understand the safest way to restrain children in cars.
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The campaign was initially implemented through the Garda schools programme and is now in the process of being expanded both divisionally and nationally, with the support of key agencies, including the Road Safety Authority, Department of Education and Skills, Local Authorities, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and various media outlets.
A total of 21 awards were presented by the RSA to individuals and organisations in recognition of their commitment and dedication to road safety at a ceremony in Croke Park.
Master of Ceremonies at the event, RTÉ’s ‘How’s Your Driving?’ presenter Simon Delaney oversaw awards presented in categories including media, education, business, emergency services and public sector.
