Congratulations to Nether Providence Township Police Department Traffic Safety Officer Kevin Smith, this year’s recipient of the “John Radko Award” by the Department of Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

“In grateful recognition of unveiling adherence to the highest ideals of law enforcement in maintaining, preserving and protecting the lawful rights of all citizens,” reads the citation presented to Smith at a luncheon Sunday, April 16, at the Media VFW Post 3460. His wife, Kelly, was in attendance. 

In a nominating letter highlighting Smith’s unparalleled contributions to the police department, Chief David Splaindetailed how Smith took ownership of the NPPD’s Traffic Safety Unit, building it into what he called “one of the finest and most complete traffic safety units in the Philadelphia region,” resulting in safer roadways throughout the township. 

Smith, a 23-year veteran of the department assigned to the unit for the past seven years, described the recognition by the VFW, as well as the chief, as “humbling.” 

Instrumental in its formation in 2015, Smith has expanded the unit to include motor vehicle accident studies and investigations into high-accident areas, formal traffic studies in areas of concern cited by residents, the deployment of electronic traffic control devices, traffic enforcement details, DUI enforcement, and commercial vehicle enforcement and inspection. 

“Over the years, components to the unit have been added, including the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP), which deals with commercial vehicle enforcement, inspection, and weight. Because of MCSAP, countless commercial vehicles have been taken out of service and removed from the 52 miles of roadways encompassing the township, creating a safer environment for motorists,” Splain wrote. 

Smith is also assigned to the county’s Accident Investigation Team, which responds to and investigates all fatal accidents in Delaware County. He has also participated in Operation Nighthawk, a statewide initiative against impaired driving.