By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Law enforcement officers this week will be riding school buses to watch for law breakers who endanger children by passing buses when they are not supposed to.
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office announced this morning the project in which it will work with the Washington State Patrol and two un-named school districts.
The emphasis on stop paddle violators will include an officer observing traffic and then radioing out to other officers who can pull over and cite offending motorists, according to the sheriff’s office.
The fine for passing a school bus when its red stop sign paddle is flipped out and activated is $394.
Chief Civil Deputy Stacy Brown indicated they’re keeping under wraps which districts are involved, as a way to motivate motorists everywhere in the county to be more cautious.
Sheriff Steve Mansfield said his office has a zero tolerance policy regarding the important issue that protects youngsters.
“There is no more important responsibility society has than to keep our children safe,” Mansfield stated in a news release.