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 for her work helping Campbell County families keep children safe on the road.
Owen received the award 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.
Owen was recognized for her work developing, planning, and implementing a Campbell County
Police Department (CCPD) program that provides Campbell County residents with car seat
education and installation assistance. Through the program, car seats may also be provided to
families in need.
“Nikki’s commitment and hard work in bringing this program to the CCPD 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.
Owen’s work helps bring those safety practices directly to Campbell County families by providing hands-on assistance and education to help parents and caregivers properly protect children while traveling.
CCPD is a Buckle Up for Life partner with Toyota and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. As part of the initiative, the CCPD is an official fitting station with a nationally certified child passenger safety technician on staff. Two Campbell County Police officers are also working to become certified child passenger safety technicians in October, expanding the department’s ability to provide education and outreach while on patrol. Campbell County residents can call 859-547-3100 to schedule an appointment to have a child’s car seat professionally installed or inspected for safety. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
The CCPD also has resources available to help families in need obtain a
free car seat.