Campbell County Police Records Specialist Nikki Owen Named Technician of the Year.

Campbell County Police Records Specialist Nikki Owen has been named the 2026 Technician of the Year by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Office of Highway Safety for her work helping Campbell County families keep children safe on the road.

Owen received the award Aug. 19 during the annual Governor's Occupant Protection Enforcement Award ceremony in Lexington. The ceremony recognizes law enforcement officers and safety professionals for their work promoting seat belt use, child passenger safety and occupant protection across Kentucky.

Owen was recognized for her work developing, planning and implementing a Campbell County Police Department program that provides Campbell County residents with car seat education and installation assistance. Through the program, car seats also may be provided to families in need. 

“Nikki’s commitment and hard work in bringing this program to the CCPD and developing it into an award-winning success reflects the dedication she brings to everything she does,” commented Campbell County Police Chief Craig Sorrell.  “She truly enjoys helping people keep what they value most, their children, safe. We are always proud of Nikki and pleased that she was recognized for her efforts with this program.”

The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety presented awards for Technician, Instructor and Child Passenger Safety Team of the Year in addition to recognizing more than 120 state and local law enforcement officers for occupant protection enforcement efforts.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, properly installed child restraints reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in passenger cars. In light trucks, SUVs and minivans, child restraints reduce the risk of fatal injury by 58% for infants and 59% for toddlers.

Owen's work helps bring those safety practices directly to Campbell County families by providing hands-on assistance and education to help parents and caregivers properly protect children while traveling.

Photo: Campbell County Police Records Specialist Nikki Owen, third from right, receives the 2026 Technician of the Year Award during the Governor's Occupant Protection Enforcement Award ceremony Aug. 19 in Lexington.