Working to make roads safer earned the "Deputy of the Year" award for a Rutherford County Sheriff's corporal Wednesday from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.

Cpl. Michael Rodgers received the award for THSO's Middle Tennessee region.

Sheriff's Patrol Capt. Chris Haynes nominated Rodgers, who coordinates traffic enforcement for the sheriff's office. He studies high traffic areas and directs officers for extra patrols in problem areas.

"Due to Rodgers dedicated hard work, the sheriff's office was able to cut down on fatalities, increase the use of seat belts and made our roads safer throughout the county," Haynes said.

Rodgers prepared the Challenge Book for THSO that listed training, traffic enforcement and education for the sheriff's office.

Also, he coordinated the traffic safety and education programs for the THSO's Law Enforcement Challenge.

Rodgers won first place in the Challenge Book for Tennessee law enforcement agencies with 201 to 500 employees.

He also won the top honor statewide for the Law Enforcement Challenge.

Tony Barnett, THSO's Middle Tennessee law enforcement liaison, said Rodgers makes sure the Seat Belt Convincer is available to other departments. The convincer demonstrates the impact of a crash at 5 to 10 mph.

"He is my go-to guy in Rutherford County," Burnett said.

Photo: Sheriff's Cpl. Michael Rodgers receives the Deputy of the Year Award for Middle Tennessee from Deputy Director Jason Ivey of the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.