Deputies headed back to school protecting students

Crossing guard Lindsay Campbell watches as Cache County Sheriff's Deputy Kolter Cottle crosses the street with students at Providence Elementary, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 (Will Feelright).

PROVIDENCE — With schools back in session, law enforcement is out in force reminding motorists to stay alert and help keep kids safe.

Cache County Sheriff’s Deputy Kolter Cottle setting up crosswalk cones near Providence Elementary, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 (Will Feelright).

Cache County Sheriff’s Deputy Kolter Cottle is one of 23 deputies that are spending the first days of school patrolling crosswalks and school zones.  He said the law enforcement blitz isn’t so much about writing tickets but making sure motorists are alert to the changing speed limits and crosswalks.

“Yeah, definitely slowing down to that 20 mph and stopping at the crosswalks,” said Cottle.  “Also we’re asking for a little patience as parents try to come in and pick up kids, and school buses are trying to come and go out of these intersections.  Often times they are residential type neighborhoods, so they can be a little tight when it comes to space.”

Deputies are being assigned to each school as kids arrive in the morning and leave in the afternoon.  The blitz will continue through the rest of the week.

While on duty Wednesday afternoon, Cottle parked his patrol truck near the southeast corner of the school and kept his lights flashing.  He said the lights were not just for motorists, the kids loved having him there too.

“I was able to give a lot of high-fives and talk about the first day of school.  I would say most kids were pretty excited.”

Cache County Sheriff’s Deputy Kolter Cottle talking with students, while helping them cross the street, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 (Will Feelright).

Officers from Logan, Smithfield and North Park are conducting similar patrols through Friday.

Cottle, who will be spending this next year as a Nova Officer in eight Cache County Schools, encouraged parents to talk with their kids about travelling safely to school.  He noted how sometimes students can dart into traffic or fail to watch for vehicles around them.

“I definitely encourage all kids to use the crosswalks and the crossing guards, instead of trying to find somewhere else that they can hurry and dart across the road.  The crossing guards and crosswalks are here for a reason.”

The standard fine for speeding in a school zone is set at $140 and increases with multiple violations.


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