Topeka, KS– Safe Kids Kansas will present its Annual Awards today, December 6, at 1:30 p.m. The awards recognize outstanding contributions by individuals, coalitions, organizations and businesses toward reducing unintentional injury to Kansas children. The awards will be presented virtually via Zoom. Photos of honorees with their awards are available upon request to Cherie Sage. Contact information for each honoree is listed below.

Awards include the prestigious Dr. Dennis Cooley Award of Excellence, named in honor of pediatrician Dr. Dennis Cooley of Topeka. This year’s Cooley Award will be presented to Cherie Sage, State Director of Safe Kids Kansas.

As of this year, Sage has spent the past 20 years dedicated to serving the mission of Safe Kids Kansas as a staff member. She has served as State Director since 2009 and was previously the Outreach Coordinator for the coalition. Prior to coming to Safe Kids Kansas as a staff member, she was a community volunteer giving time as a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician and Instructor. In addition to child passenger safety, Sage has worked with prevention partners in other injury risk areas, such as drowning, fire and burn, pedestrian and bicycle safety, safe sleep and poisoning. She also serves on several community boards, committees and advisory committees.

“Cherie inspires others to get involved and connect with the work as she readily shares her heart, passion and drive to protect our Kansas kids,” Daina Zolck, the Director of Injury and Violence Prevention at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said. “She works with intense commitment and continually thinks of ways to make the coalition stronger. Her vision will assure Safe Kids Kansas will continue to work to keep all kids safe from preventable injuries.”

Safe Kids Kansas also will present awards for Outstanding Partnership for Child Safety, Outstanding Coalition Organization, Local Coalition of the Year, and Service Recognition.

The Outstanding Partnership for Child Safety award was presented to two organizations. The Wichita Fire Department and the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office S.A.F.E. Team.

The Outstanding Coalition Organization award was presented to two organizations. The Garage (Salina Educational Automotive Museum of America) and the Shawnee County Health Department.

The Local Coalition of the Year award was presented to Safe Kids Scott County.

A Service Recognition Award was presented to Lt. Clarence Moore with the Wichita Fire Department and Officer Jared Rowley, School Resource Officer with Topeka Public Schools.