This award is presented to jurisdictions with "give back" programs, such as providing backpack supplies for returning veterans, food drives, gifts for children, adoption of military families, etc.

This is an agency award. Every agency will receive recognition for submitting a program (at their respective regional conference) and one jurisdiction agency will receive an international award for overall outstanding program.

Each agency may submit only ONE community service program.

Criteria for selection:

• Project/program serves the community
• Level of employee and target audience engagement or participation
• Measurable outcomes, ie., amount of food, money, etc. donated or numbers of families or individuals impacted

International and Region 2 Recognition

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

Tennessee Highway Patrol's Partnership with Special Olympics Tennessee

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is strongly committed to community enrichment through its sustained, year-round partnership with Special Olympics Tennessee. This deep involvement goes beyond mere participation, serving as an integral expression of THP’s core values and an important component of its community engagement strategy.

Special Olympics Tennessee provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Its profound purpose is empowering athletes to discover new strengths, fostering social inclusion, and promoting healthy, active lifestyles. Troopers fully embrace this mission through dedicated involvement in critical fundraising and operational support activities.

By leading initiatives such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and various Polar Plunges, THP serves as a powerful catalyst, bringing together municipal police departments, sheriff’s offices, and federal partners. This collaboration not only maximizes fundraising efforts—raising approximately $3.1 million this year alone—but also successfully unites the law enforcement community around a common, positive cause. In doing so, THP helps shine a brighter light on law enforcement throughout the state.

These efforts ensure that athletes can participate in all training and competitions at absolutely no cost to themselves or their families. Additionally, funds support the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Program, which provides crucial health screenings that lead to a higher quality of life, greater longevity, and improved health outcomes.

While athletes gain a trusted network of support and experience the joy of achievement, THP personnel and their fellow officers report a deep sense of fulfillment from building genuine, personal bonds with the athletes and everyone involved. This engagement fosters trust, breaks down community barriers, and ultimately strengthens the bond across Tennessee.

Region 1 Recognitions

District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles

DC DMV Car Seat Safety Check Event

DC DMV partnered with the DC Highway Safety Office (DC HSO), DC Department of Transportation (DDOT), Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Children’s National Hospital, Safe Kids Worldwide, and State Farm’s Good Neighbor Car Seat Safety Program to hold another successful Car Seat Safety Check Saturday event at the DMV Inspection Station. During the event on September 27, DMV conducted 45 inspections and installations, served 42 families, and distributed 32 brand-new car seats.

The agency hosted a fun and free day for District residents to visit DMV and obtain resources for parents, families, and caregivers on car seat safety, with guided instruction on how to correctly install and use car seats from DMV’s certified technicians. The event was promoted on DMV social media and in the agency’s monthly newsletter, with reposts from partners such as the DC Highway Safety Office and Metropolitan Police Department.

The Car Seat Safety Check event was also promoted by Mayor Bowser on her social media channels and by DC Councilmember Charles Allen. Car Seat Safety Check Saturday aimed to raise awareness for DMV’s year-round car seat services. District residents are able to visit the DMV Inspection Station at any time during normal operating hours and ask for a free car seat safety check.

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

Western MD Flood Assistance

In May 2025, a stationary storm dumped nearly a foot of rain in Allegany County, a rural region in western Maryland. The storm caused heavy flooding and more than $10 million in damage. Many creeks in the area rose more than 8 feet above major flood stage, and areas of the region were evacuated.

As a result, many Marylanders lost important documents, some of which were required to access emergency benefits. In order to assist the 3,000 affected residents, the MVA Cumberland Branch and the Customer Contact Center jumped into action and set up a unit in the Resource Centers in the affected towns.

For roughly one week after the storm, staff members from nearby branches staffed an outreach unit and provided assistance to the community. Employees answered questions and provided information about duplicate licenses, tag returns, duplicate titles, and salvage questions.

Due to the hard work of the MVA volunteers, many Maryland residents received new documents or immediate answers, lightening the burden on those affected.

Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles

Community Partnership in Action: RIDMV's Work with The Autism Project

The partnership between the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles and The Autism Project has grown into a meaningful community collaboration that focuses on understanding the needs of neurodiverse individuals and finding practical ways to support them. Both organizations share the belief that every person deserves to feel safe, respected, and informed while navigating the roads in Rhode Island. That belief has guided their work together and has helped shape programs that make a real difference for families.

One of the most important pieces of this partnership is the Blue Envelope initiative. The Blue Envelope is a simple but effective tool that helps neurodiverse drivers during traffic stops or other interactions with law enforcement. The envelope contains the driver’s license, registration, and optional communication cards. When a driver hands the envelope to an officer, it signals that the individual may process information differently and may appreciate instructions delivered in a calm, clear manner. This small tool helps reduce anxiety and confusion for both the driver and the officer and supports a safer and more comfortable experience.

When The Autism Project received a grant from the Doug Flutie Foundation to expand transportation access for its members, the organization invited the Rhode Island DMV to participate in a Transportation Open House at its Cranston location. The event was created to help families explore transportation options and to give neurodiverse individuals a better understanding of what driving and licensing involve. The atmosphere felt welcoming and supportive, with families asking questions, sharing stories, and seeking guidance from the transportation professionals who attended.

RIDMV’s representative, Sue Rinaldi, spent the evening meeting with families and new drivers. She explained the steps required to obtain a license, reviewed the documents needed, and walked people through what a road test or traffic stop might look like. Sue also introduced many families to the Blue Envelope program for the first time. Her approach was friendly and patient, and she encouraged people to ask whatever questions they had. Families appreciated the opportunity to speak directly with someone from the DMV who understood their concerns and could answer questions in a clear and reassuring way.

Other community partners, such as AAA and RIDE, also contributed to the event. Their presence helped create a well-rounded support system where families could explore a wide range of services in a single visit. The collaboration among all partners helped attendees feel supported and informed.

The results of this partnership have been positive and far-reaching. Awareness of the Blue Envelope program increased significantly. Families gained a better understanding of the licensing process and learned how to advocate for the supports they need. RIDMV staff gained valuable insight into the experiences of neurodiverse drivers and their families. Most importantly, the event helped build trust and connection between the DMV and the community.

Through ongoing collaboration and a shared commitment to inclusion, this partnership continues to help neurodiverse drivers feel more confident, informed, and supported as they move toward greater independence on the road.

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles

Red Ribbon Tree

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) collaborated with the Vermont Safe Driver Program during the holiday season to display “Red Ribbon Trees” at six DMV locations around the state from November 10 through the end of the year. The Red Ribbon Tree served as a reminder never to drive impaired or distracted, with each ribbon representing a person who lost their life on Vermont’s roads and highways due to an impaired or distracted driver.

“These crashes are 100% preventable,” said DMV Interim Commissioner Michael Smith. “There are too many crashes and fatalities caused by impaired and distracted drivers throughout our state. We urge Vermonters to plan ahead, have a sober driver, and drive with their full attention. Please help us keep Vermonters safe on our roads.”

In Vermont, from 2019 to 2023, 56% of fatal vehicle crashes involved an impaired driver, with impairment including both drugs and alcohol. During that period, 237 children were involved in crashes with impaired drivers, and in 2023, there were 42 fatalities involving an impaired driver. Between 2019 and 2023, 10.7% of fatal crashes in Vermont involved a distracted driver.

The Red Ribbon Tree Ceremony was held on December 10, 2024, at the Vermont State House. The annual event honors those who have been injured or killed by impaired and distracted drivers on Vermont’s roads and highways. The public was invited to attend the ceremony.

As the holidays approached, the campaign encouraged drivers to plan ahead if they intended to drink or use drugs and to arrange for a designated sober driver, friend, family member, or rideshare to get home safely. Drivers were also reminded to put handheld devices away while driving to avoid distractions.

The campaign encouraged Vermonters to take action when they saw someone considering driving while impaired by taking away their keys and helping them find a sober ride home. Drivers who encountered an impaired driver were encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the Vermont State Police.

Region 2 Recognitions

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration

Arkansas DSMV: Crafting a Stronger Together

The DFA Hearing Officer Division proudly partnered with the City of Little Rock Housing and Neighborhood Programs and Mosaic Church to participate in an Unsheltered Fair on July 10, 2025, an event dedicated to connecting members of the unsheltered and homeless community with essential resources and support services. This outreach effort provided a valuable opportunity for the Hearing Officer Division to represent the Department, strengthen community relationships, and provide direct assistance to individuals working to overcome barriers related to transportation, identification, and reinstatement of driving privileges.

Throughout the event, Hearing Officers assisted the taxpayers, taking time to review individual cases and explain the specific steps necessary to restore their driver’s licenses to valid status. Each participant received personalized guidance and information on outstanding fines, court obligations, required classes, and treatment center referrals.

Hearing Officers also provided clear, step-by-step information on how to obtain an Arkansas state ID, including the required documents, eligibility criteria, and application process. This information is especially critical for unsheltered individuals, as having valid identification often serves as a gateway to employment, housing opportunities, healthcare, and social services.

This collaboration highlighted the DFA’s ongoing commitment to serving all Arkansans with empathy, professionalism, and respect. The Hearing Officer Division’s presence at the Unsheltered Fair not only helped citizens navigate complex administrative processes but also demonstrated DFA’s dedication to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity within the community.

The Division reaffirmed its mission of ensuring equal access to vital state services—meeting people where they are and helping them take meaningful steps toward stability and success.

Georgia Department of Driver Services

GA DDS Supports a Healthy Workforce

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) cares about its team members. This is evidenced by the creative ways that the Commissioner and the Executive Team support the staff. During this timeframe, several Healthy Workforce Lunch and Learns were offered for the team, as well as a Field Operations Pop-Up Uniform Shop to provide free clothing to staff.

“At DDS, we recognize that supporting our team members goes beyond the workplace. By hosting Lunch and Learns that promote growth and connection and also offering free clothing through our Pop-Up Uniform Shop, we’re investing in the people who make our mission possible. When our employees feel valued and prepared, they deliver even better service to the citizens of Georgia,” said DDS Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon.

The Healthy Workforce Lunch and Learns covered a variety of topics throughout the year. The Breast Cancer Awareness session was held October 21, 2024, in partnership with Piedmont Rockdale Hospital and was attended by 70 team members. The Healthy Heart session was held March 24, 2025, also in partnership with Piedmont Rockdale Hospital, and was attended by 79 team members. The Workplace Violence session was held June 23, 2025, in partnership with the Office of Investigations and was attended by 90 team members. The Workplace Situational Awareness session was held September 15, 2025, in partnership with the Office of Investigations and was attended by 87 team members.

Field Operations does a great job maintaining employee uniforms when they are turned in after a team member’s separation. All clothing is professionally laundered or destroyed if unsuitable for wear. Over time, logos and colors change, so while the clothing remains appropriate apparel, the Customer Service Centers and divisions are no longer wearing it. The clothing is returned, laundered, and stored.

The Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Field Operations had an idea to donate the unused items to team members who work outside the DDS Customer Service Centers and would not have an official DDS shirt. On July 22, 2025, the Field Operations Pop-Up Uniform Shop occurred and was very well attended. There were 200 clothing items given away to staff, keeping them out of landfills and supporting DDS’s commitment to corporate responsibility.

Georgia Department of Revenue

Clark's Christmas Kids

Every year, the Department of Family and Children Services organizes a series of Secret Santa charity events in collaboration with Clark Howard of WSB Radio and his Clark’s Christmas Kids initiative. These events are aimed at fulfilling the wishes of children in foster care across the entire state. Each year, the Department of Revenue (DOR) responds with tremendous support!

Last Christmas, employees at DOR adopted 10 children between the ages of 1 and 14 and provided at least three gifts for each child from their wish list. Commissioner Frank O’Connell and 22 dedicated DOR team members also volunteered at the Clark’s Christmas Kids warehouse in Atlanta to sort through gifts that went out to children in all 159 Georgia counties.

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles

REAL ID Saturdays

From October 12, 2024, to May 3, 2025, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) opened several customer service centers in metropolitan areas across the state on Saturdays to help residents obtain a REAL ID ahead of the May 7, 2025, deadline.

The objective of the Saturday openings was to make it more convenient for residents who may not have been able to visit a customer service center during normal business hours. The target audience was all residents of Louisiana, and these special openings were open to those with appointments and walk-in customers.

OMV posted about the openings on social media and sent press releases to print and broadcast media outlets across the state. OMV was able to assist more than 5,000 Louisiana residents in obtaining a REAL ID during these Saturday openings.

Louisiana State Police

Capitol Detail Bike Unit

The Capitol Detail Bike Unit is a full-time team composed of three dedicated officers: Sergeant Michael Duplessis, Corporal Matthew Mayeux, and Corporal Harold Conner. These officers are specially trained and equipped to perform bicycle patrol duties in Downtown Baton Rouge, with a strong emphasis on community policing. Their mission is to promote bicycle safety, foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the public, and support youth development through education and mentorship. This unit embodies the spirit of public service through its outstanding commitment to community engagement, youth education, and roadway safety in the Baton Rouge area.

The unit’s community service initiatives are designed to reach a broad audience, with a particular focus on children and teenagers. Their efforts include conducting bicycle safety classes for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, where they teach essential skills such as helmet use, traffic awareness, and safe riding practices. These classes are often held in partnership with local safety organizations, including The Safety Place of Baton Rouge.

One of the unit’s most impactful programs involves participation in “Bike to School” events at McKinley Elementary and the Foreign Language Arts Immersion Magnet School. In collaboration with The Safety Place and the Recreation and Park Commission of East Baton Rouge Parish (BREC), officers meet students at designated BREC parks and accompany them on a two-mile ride to school. During these rides, officers ensure the safety of the young participants while engaging with them in a positive and supportive manner.

The Capitol Detail Bike Unit also supports community-based organizations such as Front Yard Bikes, a nonprofit that provides after-school programming for youth ages 5 to 18. Officers regularly participate in “Friday Rides,” offering mentorship and promoting healthy, active lifestyles. Additionally, the unit has collaborated with the Youth Challenge Program to provide safe driving instruction to at-risk teens ages 13 to 18 through obstacle course training, in partnership with The Safety Place.

In total, the unit has directly interacted with approximately 500 children and young adults through these initiatives. Their involvement in the Special Olympics Torch Run in the Capitol Area further demonstrates their commitment to inclusive community service and public engagement.

The outcomes of these programs have been overwhelmingly positive. The Capitol Detail Bike Unit has successfully met its objectives by enhancing public safety awareness, building trust between law enforcement and the community, and serving as role models for youth. Their consistent presence and active participation in community events have made them a trusted and respected part of the Baton Rouge community.

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety is proud to nominate the Capitol Detail Bike Unit for the AAMVA Service Award for Community Service in recognition of their exceptional dedication, professionalism, and impact.

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles

Vehicle Services Food Drive

Vehicle Services completed a successful food drive in support of local food banks, demonstrating the team’s strong commitment to community service and helping neighbors in need. Over the course of the four-week drive, staff collected and donated more than 3,000 pounds of non-perishable food and non-food items.

The donations were delivered to two food banks: United Community Ministries in Rocky Mount and Bladen Crisis Center in Bladen County, where they directly supported families and individuals experiencing food insecurity. The effort highlighted the compassion and generosity of employees, as well as their shared values of service beyond their daily operations.

Team members from the Rocky Mount Campus and Bladen County offices participated enthusiastically, contributing both food items and volunteer time to organize and deliver donations. Through teamwork and a shared sense of purpose, Vehicle Services made a positive impact in the communities it served while also enjoying some friendly competition among the units.

Service Oklahoma

2025 State Charitable Campaign

Oklahoma’s State Charitable Campaign (SCC) has empowered state employees to support hundreds of charitable organizations across Oklahoma since 1989. Through donations made by state employees, participating nonprofits provide meals, educational programs, medical care, and disaster relief to those who need it most.

The 2025 SCC marked Service Oklahoma’s second year of participation, and the agency wanted to stay true to its core values of being pioneering, neighborly, authentic, reliable, and trusted teammates. The goal was to make charitable giving meaningful, accessible, and fun for all staff, no matter where they worked across the state.

Building on the statewide theme “Groovin’ for Good,” Service Oklahoma launched its own spin, “Giving is Groovy.” The agency transformed workplace giving into an engaging and inclusive campaign that encouraged employees to serve beyond their daily roles. Each activity was designed to make participation easy and rewarding, whether employees contributed time, money, or simply joined in the fun.

From Change-for-Change coin challenges and employee engagement bingo to an online raffle, basket auction, chili cookoff, breakfast burrito sale, and Pie a Leader in the Face fundraiser, the campaign offered something for everyone. Regional offices and headquarters alike took part, ensuring every team member could engage in a way that felt personal and purposeful.

The results were remarkable. Through intentional engagement, leadership support, and enthusiastic participation, Service Oklahoma more than doubled its total fundraising from the previous year, collecting $10,707.26 to benefit the United Way network. The campaign also tripled direct staff pledges and donations, doubled Change-for-Change contributions, and increased online raffle revenue by 25%. Each dollar raised supported programs providing meals for families, access to education, healthcare, and disaster relief across Oklahoma.

Beyond dollars raised, the campaign’s success was defined by connection. Nearly every Service Oklahoma employee participated in at least one event, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to the guiding principle of Oklahomans Helping Oklahomans. The campaign became a unifying experience that celebrated creativity and compassion while strengthening relationships across teams and regions.

A comprehensive internal communications plan helped sustain excitement and reinforce the purpose behind each activity. A digital campaign hub, regular email updates, and visual storytelling highlighted how donations make an impact in local communities. Leadership engagement was also key. Directors, managers, and team leads volunteered, competed, and even got pied, reinforcing that giving back is a team effort at every level.

By connecting employee engagement to community impact, Service Oklahoma showed that public service extends beyond transactions and is about building a better Oklahoma together. Through creativity, teamwork, and generosity, the Giving is Groovy campaign exemplified Service Oklahoma’s culture of compassion and collaboration. It demonstrated that when employees are empowered to give, the entire state benefits—one act of kindness, one dollar, and one community at a time.

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles

Transitions Homeless Shelter Donation Drive

In a display of unity and compassion, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles came together to make a difference in the lives of community members at the Transitions Homeless Shelter. Donors and volunteers from branch offices and headquarters generously provided toiletries, snacks, undergarments, and winter weather gear, delivering 260 bags of essentials to residents, along with additional supplies for the shelter to distribute.

The care packages were warmly received by both the staff and residents. For many residents, these kits provided not only the basics for daily hygiene and survival but also a sense of dignity and care. The snacks were a small but meaningful comfort that showed residents they are valued and not forgotten by their community.

The drive was a heartwarming demonstration of how collective action and compassion can impact a community. Through their generosity and dedication, volunteers and donors from across the SCDMV provided essential support to shelter residents and exemplified the true spirit of kindness and humanity.

Texas Department of Public Safety

Community Outreach

The Texas Department of Public Safety – Driver License Division (DLD) continues to strengthen its commitment to serving the diverse needs of communities across Texas through partnerships, outreach, and innovative service delivery.

Efforts include disaster response and recovery following the July 4 flooding in Kerrville, Texas, as well as partnerships with fire departments for recruit credentialing, warrant resolution events with Dallas Municipal Court, and other regional initiatives focused on food insecurity, homelessness, and school supply drives. The division has also held numerous community and employment outreach efforts, ranging from job fairs and veterans’ services to special needs student fairs focused on helping young adults prepare for independent living.

Through its partnerships with local agencies, schools, nonprofits, and first responders, the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Driver License Division continues to provide essential services that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and uphold the agency’s mission of public service.

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Through the Decades Classic Car Shows: Driving Community, Connection, and Compassion

In 2024, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) marked a century of service by turning its celebration into something bigger—a chance to give back. The Through the Decades Classic Car Shows series brought communities together across the Commonwealth, honoring Virginia’s automotive heritage while raising funds for Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia. DMV’s planning team focused on communities with a strong passion for cars, selecting Richmond, Covington, Gloucester, and Colonial Heights to maximize statewide participation. Research also identified Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia as a charitable partner whose mission aligned with DMV’s values and offered the chance to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life.

The goals were simple yet powerful: unite communities in celebration of DMV’s centennial, showcase Virginia’s love of cars and driving history, engage employees through volunteerism, and raise funds to fulfill a child’s wish.

DMV partnered with the Colonial Rod Club and hired its event planner part-time to help deliver professional, high-quality shows. Each event was designed to be welcoming and family-friendly, with music, food trucks, children’s activities, door prizes, and 50/50 raffles that created a sense of nostalgia and community pride.

The Make-A-Wish partnership added purpose. Funds raised from each event supported 17-year-old Wyatt, a car enthusiast battling cancer whose dream was a shopping spree for truck parts to restore his vehicle. His story was a perfect reflection of DMV’s century-long commitment to driving forward and making a difference in people’s lives.

From the mountains to the coast, the Through the Decades Classic Car Show series became a traveling celebration of community spirit. DMV’s first-ever car show in Richmond featured more than 50 vehicles, custom-made trophies made from car parts, door prizes, food trucks, and music, raising $2,300. In Covington, a partnership with Kars Unlimited brought out 90 cars, local dance performers, door prizes, food trucks, music, and family activities, raising approximately $2,300 for Make-A-Wish.

The Gloucester event was held alongside a Fall Festival, bringing together car lovers and local businesses and raising $2,100 for Make-A-Wish. The finale in Colonial Heights, Trucking Through the Decades: A Safety Showcase, was held at the Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum and spotlighted highway safety with exhibits from DRIVE SMART Virginia, Virginia Tech, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Radio One’s live broadcast amplified the safety messages throughout the region, and the event raised approximately $1,500 for Make-A-Wish.

Together, the four shows raised $8,200 for Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, making Wyatt’s dream a reality. The series also had a significant community impact, with approximately 400 vehicles displayed and thousands of attendees statewide. Sixty-five DMV employees volunteered, fueling pride and teamwork, while media coverage and social media engagement strengthened DMV’s community image.

The series showcased DMV’s commitment to community service by combining education, entertainment, and philanthropy. Partnerships with car clubs, local businesses, and safety organizations created meaningful opportunities for Virginians to come together, while thoughtful planning amplified participation statewide. Through creativity, compassion, and collaboration, DMV transformed its 100th anniversary into a statewide act of service.

Region 3 Recognitions

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles

INBMV Launches Operation: Fill-A-Bag

Employees from across Indiana collected supplies over several weeks. At the Q2 Branch Manager Meeting on June 12, 2025, held at the Ride Safe Indiana (RSI) Warehouse, teams came together to assemble the kits in a hands-on, collaborative effort.

Specifically, branches in New Albany contributed enough items to fill 35 complete bags, Scottsburg assembled and delivered its kits directly to the local DCS office, and North Vernon exceeded expectations by collecting 147 items and fulfilling 47 of the 66 requested bags.

Altogether, the initiative not only met but surpassed its goal. With strong engagement from employees across all participating branches, more than 900 bags were packed.

Ohio State Highway Patrol

Chaplaincy Program

The purpose of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Chaplaincy Program is to support employees as they accomplish the mission of providing unbiased, professional public safety services through inclusion, collaboration, and innovation. Comprised entirely of volunteers, the OSHP Chaplaincy Program is available to assist all employees, past and present, and their families, regardless of their beliefs, with spiritual needs, peer support, and connections to resources. Twelve volunteers are currently serving as OSHP chaplains, and many of them also provide chaplaincy and peer support services to other first responder agencies throughout the state of Ohio.

One of the primary goals of the OSHP Chaplaincy Program is to serve first responders during and after critical incidents through one-on-one and group interventions. In 2024, chaplains provided critical support to the Member Assistance Team during various interactions, with approximately half classified as major responses. Many of these engagements involved personnel from partner first responder agencies. Chaplains have also hosted critical incident stress debriefs at their home parishes.

OSHP chaplains are a critical component of the agency’s Employee Wellness program. In addition to critical incident support, chaplains meet regularly with agency cadet trainees, provide quarterly messaging through the agency’s Flying Wheel magazine, and help train new peers in critical incident stress management (CISM) techniques. 

Chaplains also support the larger first responder community through ride-alongs, ceremonies, and volunteer service with the nonprofit Ohio ASSIST, which provides a Post-Critical Incident Seminar available to all first responders in Ohio, both active and retired.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles

Ambassadors in Schools Program

Wisconsin DMV wanted to reach out to high schools and community-based organizations to introduce students to career opportunities within the transportation industry. This quickly evolved into WisDOT’s agency-wide Ambassador Program. Area public schools have a program called AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) in middle and high schools for first-generation college-bound students, many of whom are minorities. Many of these students are unaware of the wide range of occupations available to them, much less the well-paying jobs within state government or positions that do not require a college degree. DMV offers many opportunities to launch and advance a career.

WisDOT teamed up with the area AVID coordinator and brought DMV, State Patrol, and other staff into the classroom. They targeted 10th graders who are focusing on career exploration. A rotating group of WisDOT employees volunteers for a few hours in the schools. During a series of presentations, they share the importance of public service, the types of careers available in transportation, and why WisDOT is a great place to work.

These presentations connect interests to jobs. For example, DMV staff can show students who love cars that they can apply that interest in myriad ways, from processing license plate applications to certifying custom-built vehicle safety to conducting investigations that uncover fraud and truly help individuals in their communities.

Careers of the future, including GIS mapping, drones, and others, are also introduced by WisDOT employees. These presentations demonstrate career development opportunities, with speakers sharing how continual training in their areas of interest and mentoring have helped them advance into new, often better-paying and more interesting positions.

This flexible staffing model and the presentations can be adjusted for other programming in the community, such as veteran recruiting events. Since spring 2025, 11 presentations have been delivered to nearly 300 students in the Madison Metropolitan School District. State Patrol employees also attended a high school career fair and connected with more than 800 students.

Staff say they benefit by connecting with people, representing the friendly side of state government, and seeing how sharing their stories can open new doors of opportunity for others.

The further value of the program will become evident when today’s 10th graders enter the workforce and choose a career with DMV, State Patrol, or elsewhere in the transportation field. Wisconsin’s Ambassador Program provides a valuable avenue to connect with the community, demonstrate the many pathways to a successful career in the transportation industry, and inspire a future workforce for the agency.

Region 4 Recognitions

Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division

Standardization of Off-Site Community Event Coordination

In 2025, Arizona MVD formalized its offsite event support by leveraging the technology and window configuration to be recognized as a standard field office in our system. With the support of Kyndryl techs, MVD was able to set up a fully operational mobile workstation with a camera that adds a digital background. By utilizing the same standard configuration as a field office, a CSR is now capable of processing all transactions at offsite events.

With a formalized configuration, MVD was able to support eight offsite events in 2025. Those offsite events were aimed at helping the homeless, veterans, tribal communities, and other communities in remote areas of Arizona.

Because MVD had an efficient, formalized process to support offsite events, MVD was also able to assist with disaster relief efforts. When the city of Globe was hit with unprecedented flooding in October, MVD set up a service at the disaster relief base of operations located at the Gila County Fairgrounds. MVD was able to assist customers with questions and transactions to speed up the recovery process.

Also in the month of October, the city of Tempe was hit with a powerful microburst that displaced over 130 residents and businesses. Once again, MVD was called on to set up service at the disaster relief base of operations to aid those impacted.

Since formalizing and supporting community events, MVD has aided over 1,000 Arizona citizens and processed over 600 transactions.

California Department of Motor Vehicles

CHiPs for Kids Holiday Toy Drive -- California DMV & CHP Partnership

Since 2021, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has proudly partnered with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in its annual CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive, a statewide initiative that collects new, unwrapped toys and gifts for underprivileged children and teens during the holiday season. While this effort is part of a long-standing tradition across many DMV offices, it has become a deeply meaningful and anticipated tradition for those working at the Fontana field office.

The primary goal of the program is simple yet powerful—to bring joy to children in need during the holidays. While the DMV team does not directly select the recipients, the CHP works with local agencies to identify families and children who are most in need of support. This ensures the gifts reach those who will benefit most, which are often children who would otherwise sadly go without during the holiday season.

In 2024, 25 Fontana DMV team members participated in the drive by purchasing and donating more than 40 gifts that included toys for younger children and thoughtful items for teens, such as beauty sets, winter accessories, and gift cards. While participation is voluntary and occurs during work hours, the enthusiasm and generosity of the staff have grown each year. Many team members have said the act of giving fills them with holiday spirit and a sense of purpose, knowing they are helping brighten someone’s holiday.

The manager promotes the effort in the office and arranges a pickup date with the CHP. While the campaign is not open to the public at this location, the Fontana DMV also collaborates with the CHP throughout the year for similar efforts during two community resource fairs, which further strengthens their partnership and community presence.

One of the most memorable moments each year is when CHP officers arrive at the office to collect the donations. The sight of officers loading up toys and gifts is a powerful reminder of the positive impact a small act of kindness can have on the less fortunate. For the DMV team, it’s a moment of pride and reflection to know their contributions will bring smiles to children who need it most.

This initiative has had a lasting effect on the Fontana DMV team. It has fostered a culture of compassion, teamwork, and community service.