(Blountville, Tenn.)-- Motorists driving around the Airport are being warned to watch their speed and slow down. That’s because the Airport’s Public Safety Department is now using a radar gun and radar trailer to monitor speeding and improve the safety of people walking into and out of the terminal.

The Airport purchased the equipment with funds from the High Visibility Law Enforcement Grant through the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office. Agencies that receive this five thousand dollar grant can purchase traffic safety equipment in exchange for their participation in programs such as "Click It or Ticket" and "Booze It or Lose It". To fulfill the grant requirements, the Airport will be conducting traffic safety checkpoints at various times throughout the year.

Two of the Airport’s Public Safety officers have completed additional training to learn how to operate the new equipment and administer the traffic safety programs. Public Safety Officer Scott Harrell has received his certification as a Radar Instructor and Officer Jared Patrick is a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.  This is the first time the Airport has received this type of grant.

The Governor's Highway Safety Office (GHSO) is Tennessee's advocate for highway safety. The GHSO's mission is to develop, execute and evaluate programs to reduce the number of fatalities, injuries and related economic losses resulting from traffic crashes on Tennessee's roadways.