OCT 21 MEDIA RELEASE__The Hardin County Sheriff's Office has been awarded a total of $35,850.90 in federal traffic safety funding through the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) to support enforcement and educational initiatives throughout Federal Fiscal Year 2026 (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026). 

The grant includes $17,175.45 through the Impaired Driving Enforcement Program (IDEP) and $18,675.45 through the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). Funding will be used for high-visibility traffic enforcement and community outreach focused on reducing crashes involving impaired driving, speeding, distracted and aggressive driving and other high-risk behaviors. 

As part of the grant requirements, the agency will participate in the following national traffic safety mobilizations: 

Winter Holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over December 12, 2025, through January 1, 2026
Click It or Ticket - May 18 through May 31, 2026
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over - August 14 through September 7, 2026

In addition to these national campaigns, the agency will implement targeted enforcement efforts during high-risk periods, including major holidays, prom and homecoming. 

These funds are part of a federal grant program established under the Federal Highway Safety Act of 1966. In Ohio, these funds are managed by the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) through the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO).

The Hardin County Sheriff's Office has participated in this grant program since 2009, continuing its commitment to proactive, data-driven traffic safety strategies that aim to reduce crashes and save lives.