School Zone Safety team members earn county awards

Walla Walla County Commissioner Jim Johnson presents Ki Bealey and Sgt. Kevin Braman (Capt. Chris Buttice accepted the award for Braman) with Education Outreach awards as part of the 2013 Walla Walla County Traffic Safety/DUI Task Force Traffic Safety Awards Program.

Ki Bealey and Kevin Braman play key roles in the Safe Travels Alliance which is co-chaired by Katie Christianson and Kathryn Southwick Hess. This committee was formed three years ago after four students were hit by cars on their way to or from school.

The primary goal of Safe Travels Alliance is to improve school zone safety. This year the committee will focus on improving safety near Green Park Elementary. Past focus areas include, Berney and Edison Elementary Schools, Pioneer and Garrison Middle Schools, and Walla Walla High School.  

Bealey has helped the group secure grants for school zone flashing speed zone lights at several schools. He coordinates curb and crosswalk painting projects with other city departments. His understanding of state and city regulations has helped the group improve traffic flows and parking patterns, remove tree limbs to improve visibility and add signage per school zone requirements.

Braman has coordinated officers to provide additional patrols in school zones. He also investigates problem areas to determine best practices for improving the situation. Braman supports Back-To-School efforts by recording radio PSAs, supporting media coverage and the overall awareness campaign.