MARYSVILLE — Police don’t want the joy of graduation to be tarnished by tragedy.
This weekend, as thousands of high school seniors march in commencement ceremonies, police throughout Snohomish County will keep a close eye on post-graduation celebrations.
Dubbed the “Party Patrol,” the Washington State Patrol will for the first time add its airplane to the arsenal of tools used to look for underage drinking parties and drunken drivers, trooper Keith Leary said.
It’s the second time the special patrols have taken place in the county.
“The reason for the patrols is to eliminate any injury and fatalities,” Leary said. “We want the kids to know we are out looking for parties where alcohol is involved.”
Unlike ground patrols, troopers in the aircraft can spot parties in remote areas and radio to troopers on the ground to investigate, Leary said.
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, the state Liquor Control Board and other police will participate in the crackdown on illegal parties and drunken drivers.
Police also want the public to help. Anyone who sees or hears large parties or erratic drivers is asked to call 911.
“Citizens are generally good in reporting these types of incidents,” Leary said.
Drunken driving is the leading cause of traffic fatalities in the state. Troopers want to help make sure teens celebrate safely.
“It would be a tragedy to have a new graduate ruin their life by making a bad choice,” Leary said.
Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.
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