Dunwoody Police Sgt. Trey Nelson was awarded the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) and Metro Atlanta Traffic Enforcement Network (MATEN) 2024 Officer of the Year award for his work combating distracted and drunk driving.
Nelson, who has been with the force since 2010, was recognized for his ongoing campaigns to help reduce the number of incidents caused by distracted or impaired driving, and his active participation in MATEN programs and resources.
Nelson started in the patrol division, and in subsequent years served as the department’s community outreach officer, and later as its public information officer before moving to the traffic division as a sergeant. His duties also involve overseeing the department’s canine division.
“I always like to change things up, and I see the value of partnerships with outside agencies,” Nelson said. “The MATEN campaigns and information are very helpful for education and to keep track of legislative matters that affect us.”
Nelson said he is focused on one of the department’s biggest challenges, distracted driving, through targeted events and educational campaigns.
That includes running targeted events that include speed enforcement in school zones, distracted driving checks and educating young drivers to the implications of cell phone use while operating a vehicle.
“I believe what you do matters,” he said. “A small correction can change someone’s unsafe behavior.”
Dunwoody Police Information Officer Sgt. Michael Cheek said Nelson “makes every department he’s in better.”
“That is one hard-working guy there,” Cheek said. “The programs he runs take a lot of advance work and preparation time.”
Nelson was also given a medal for meritorious service last year by the city council for his efforts in reviving a choking toddler using a LifeVac suction device.
