Winnie Oden named “Civilian of the Year” during Public Safety Awards

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Information provided by Flagler Schools news release

Longtime educator, Winnie Oden was honored for her public safety role at the first Public Safety Awards meeting, at the Palm Coast Elks Lodge, on Sunday, Jan. 31. She was recognized for her work as the Flagler School District Safety director.

Honorees were nominated by peers, and reviewed by a select group of public safety representatives, and volunteers, from outside Flagler County.

The aim of the awards is to build relationships between public safety agencies, and spotlight those who have gone above and beyond their normal duties.

In her nomination letter, Oden was lauded for her work in spearheading, “Three exercises/workshops specific to active assailants in our schools, and on our school buses, which led to agencies working together.”

That training came together in January 2015 when a school bus was involved in a serious accident, which resulted in more than 25 students being sent to Florida Hospital Flagler.

http://www.palmcoastobserver.com/article/woman-critical-children-hurt-school-bus-crash

The letter also said that because of Oden’s, “efforts to bring training and exercises to the school board and open dialogue between law enforcement, fire and rescue, the hospital, and the school board, this incident was handled much better than incidents in the past.”

She retired from Flagler Schools in December 2015, after more than 25 years. Her passion for student safety continues as she continues to be a volunteer and a consultant.