Sheriff’s Cpl. Nick Coble earned the Deputy of the Year award Monday for the Middle Tennessee Law Enforcement Network.

Coble received the award for his commitment to highway safety from the network that is part of the Tennessee Highway Safety Office. The award was given for Coble’s commitment and dedication to highway traffic safety.

In his nomination letter, Major Steve Spence said Coble works additional hours overtime enforcing alcohol driving offenses in an effort to stop motorists from drinking and driving and to keep Rutherford County safe.

While patrolling in his zones, Coble seized 34-1/2 grams of marijuana and five grams of methamphetamine during traffic stops.

He arrested two suspects on DUI charges, arrested 14 suspects on misdemeanor drug charges and issued 110 traffic violation citations, including 24 citations for drivers not wearing seat belts or not placing children in child safety seats. He wrote 390 traffic violation warnings.

Tony Burnett, who is THSO Middle Tennessee Region Law Enforcement Liaison, said enforcement efforts help reduce traffic fatalities.

As of Friday, 14 less people died in traffic crashes this year than in 2016.