Franklin County Officer wins National Award

Carnesville, GA, July 2, 2008:  Captain Chris Looney of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded the prestigious J. Stannard Baker Award for Traffic Safety by the National Sheriff’s Association.  The award, which is the highest award to be presented for traffic safety, was presented on July 2, 2008 at the NSA Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The National Sheriff’s Association along with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Northwestern University for Public Safety sponsors this award each year for one officer from a Sheriff’s Office who has made outstanding achievements in traffic safety.  “Out of numerous nominations this one stood out from all the others” according to a NHTSA official.

This award was named to honor J. Stannard Baker, a former physics professor at Northwestern University who made significant contributions to highway safety. A pioneer in accident reconstruction investigation, he developed this subject into a science by applying the laws of physics and developing mathematical equations to assist law enforcement officers in their investigations. The first books on accident reconstruction investigation were written by J. Stannard Baker and are still in use today.

In addition to a a large display for his home and a plaque to be displayed in the Sheriff’s Office, Looney also received a paid tuition to Northwestern University for Public Safety, accident investigation classes, and paid airfare and lodging to the NSA conference.

Sheriff Steve Thomas, who nominated Looney for the award said,” I am very proud of Captain Looney for his efforts with the Sheriff’s Office” “It was an honor to nominate him for this award”.

Captain Looney began his Law Enforcement career with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office in January 1987. He has been with Franklin County since 1998 and currently serves as shift supervisor in the Uniform Patrol Division.  In addition to working at the Sheriff’s Office, Looney is also the President of the Northeast Georgia Lodge Fraternal Order of Police.     He lives in Toccoa with his wife Melissa.  Chris has four children and one grandson.