Volusia County Beach Safety nominated for a 2022 RISE Award; asks the community to vote.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News 

Volusia County’s Beach Safety Division has been nominated a 2022 RISE Award in the agency category. Beach Safety received its nomination as a cross-trained Law Enforcement, Ocean Rescue, EMS agency. 

According to a release, the RISE Award, sponsored by Axon, is a unique awards program recognizing law enforcement agencies for their efforts in building up communities and rising above the call of duty to serve.

The Beach Safety Division promotes drowning prevention and ocean safety through community outreach with school and vehicle days, public relations talks, community meetings, training, and collaboration with local organizations and businesses.

“Axon’s RISE Awards showcase the extraordinary courage, compassion, and dedication to the community demonstrated by officers and agencies across the country,” said Axon CEO and founder Rick Smith. “Our hope is that the stories of heroism and valor highlighted through these awards will inspire others as much as they inspire us.”

The community can help create a list of finalists by voting through an online portal, where a panel of judges will then review the ten nominated agencies with the most votes.

The winning agency will receive a $7,500 grant from Axon toward its associated nonprofit foundation or community project. Volusia County Beach Services has chosen the Volusia Surf Lifesaving Association (VSLA) to receive the funds, should they win. 

Voting has already begun, and community members, friends, and family can vote once per day through March 18, 2022.

To participate in the vote, visit https://riseawards.us.launchpad6.com/agency2022/entry/189.