For more than five years, Dianne Swanson, who retires at the end of the month, has led the three-county Washington State Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) Target Zero Traffic Safety Program aimed at reducing traffic fatalities.
On Wednesday, Sept. 6, Swanson announced the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office stands to benefit from a portion of a $65,000 grant from WTSC, the funds of which will be split between law enforcement agencies in Lewis, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties.
In recognition of Swanson’s efforts and announced retirement, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office staff and other members of the local public safety community recently gathered to share their appreciation for her dedicated service on a variety of Lewis County public safety programs.
“My focus has been on traffic accident prevention and education, while aiding local law
enforcement efforts,” Swanson said.
With cooperation from Lewis County deputies, local law enforcement and fire personnel, and other public safety professionals from across the county, Swanson helped spearhead the yearly Safety City for elementary school students and week-long safe driving programs at several local high schools.
“Without her help we wouldn’t have had the additional funding necessary to coordinate community outreach, education, and traffic safety emphasis patrols,” said Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jeff Godbey, who acts as the Target Zero law enforcement liaison for Lewis County.
“It’s been a great partnership with the Traffic Safety Commission — being able to fund overtime
patrols, DUI enforcement, and traffic safety equipment,” Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza said.
“Dianne has been instrumental in making sure we receive additional funds to support traffic safety emphasis patrols focusing on DUI, seatbelt, speed, and distracted driving.”
