/MOREHEAD, Ky. — A Morehead Police Department officer has received statewide recognition for his efforts to promote traffic safety and enforce Kentucky’s occupant protection laws.
Patrol Officer Wendell Mocabee has received the 2025 Occupant Protection Enforcement Governor’s Award, according to an announcement Wednesday from the Morehead Police Department.
The award recognizes law enforcement officers across Kentucky for exceptional efforts involving seat belt and child restraint enforcement and other initiatives aimed at improving roadway safety.
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety, the Governor’s Award recognizes officers and child passenger safety personnel for excellence in occupant protection enforcement and efforts to reduce fatalities involving motorists who are not properly restrained.
Mocabee received the recognition based on his occupant protection enforcement activity during the award period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Morehead Police Chief Derrick Blevins praised Mocabee’s work and commitment to protecting motorists.
“Officer Mocabee’s dedication to traffic safety and protecting the traveling public is evident in his daily work,” Blevins said. “This award reflects his commitment to reducing preventable injuries and saving lives through proactive enforcement and community-oriented policing. We are proud to see his efforts recognized at the state level.”
Occupant protection enforcement focuses heavily on compliance with seat belt and child restraint laws. Such enforcement is intended to reduce the likelihood of serious injuries and fatalities when crashes occur.
The Morehead Police Department congratulated Mocabee on the award and thanked him for his continued service to residents of Morehead and Rowan County.
The department announced the honor on Wednesday, Aug. 19.