Campbell County Police Records Specialist Nikki Owen has been named the 2026 Technician of the Year by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety.
Owen received the award on Aug. 19 for her work developing, planning and implementing a Campbell County Police Department program that provides Campbell County residents with car seat education and installation assistance. Through the program, the department may also provide car seats to families in need.
Owen was honored during the annual Governor’s Occupant Protection Enforcement Award ceremony in Lexington. The ceremony recognizes law enforcement officers and safety professionals for their work promoting seat belt use, child passenger safety and occupant protection across Kentucky.
“Nikki’s commitment and hard work in bringing this program to the Campbell County Police Department and developing it into an award-winning success reflects the dedication she brings to everything she does,” said Campbell County Police Chief Craig Sorrell. “She truly enjoys helping people keep what they value most, their children, safe. We are always proud of Nikki and pleased that she was recognized for her efforts with this program.”
The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety presented awards for technician, instructor, and child passenger safety team of the year, and recognized more than 120 state and local law enforcement officers for occupant protection enforcement efforts.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, properly installed car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in passenger cars. In light trucks, SUVs, and minivans, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 58% for infants and 59% for toddlers.
