University Police Officer Daniel Geary recently earned the Traffic Safety Champion Award from the Oswego County Traffic Safety Board.

“I believe I won this award because of my diligence to ensuring safer roads on campus by focusing on traffic stops pertaining to distracted driving and seatbelts, to name a few,” said Geary, who has been with the department for around two years. “I feel honored to win this award and I appreciate being recognized by the department.” 

A graduate of SUNY Cortland, Geary said working closely with University Police there while a resident assistant, as well as communicating with a wide variety of students in that role, made him interested in going into this line of work.

“As a New York State University Police Officer, I respond to calls for service, conduct traffic stops, assist other law enforcement agencies and keep students and staff in the SUNY Oswego community safe,” Geary said. “I think it's important because everyone should be able to feel safe where they live, work and go to school and if I can help do that, then I feel pretty good.“

"When being stopped on campus for a traffic infraction, many don’t think about the safety standards we’re encouraging," University Police Chief Scott Swayze explained.

"Each year, our department honors an officer who the administration and supervisors feel has shown outstanding service and initiative to traffic safety on our campus and in our local community," Swayze said. "This carefully selected officer becomes the recipient of an Oswego County Traffic Safety Champion award issued each year by our department and the Oswego County Traffic Safety Board. UP has been a long-time partner with the local traffic safety board." 

In presenting these awards and other activities, the Oswego County Traffic Safety Board pursues its goals of fostering cooperation and partnerships between all involved agencies, including law enforcement and community members, with a vested interest in the education and enforcement of traffic safety in Oswego County.