Three local Schuylkill County police departments were recognized for their contributions to the 2105-16 Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project. The awards were presented during a meeting of Schuylkill County project organizers held this week at Tamaqua Borough Hall.

Accepting the awards on behalf of their departments were Tamaqua Chief of Police Rick Weaver; Rush Township Sgt. Duane Frederick; and West Penn Township officer Denna Krammes. West Penn patrolman Brent Getz, who was to receive an individual award, was unable to attend.During the meeting, officials from the North Central Highway Safety Network and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 5-0 presented a review of PAADEEP's Waves 1 and 2 of the Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education program and planned for Wave 3, which will be held from July 6 through Aug. 28. That wave will focus on a zero tolerance for seat belt violations, as well as a concentration for heavy truck and motorcycle enforcement through the use of Traffic Enforcement Zones and joint operations. Pennsylvania State Police from the Schuylkill Haven and Frackville barracks will also be participating.Data from Wave 1, which was held from Oct. 26 to Nov. 22, 2015, had 217 local law enforcement departments and 15 state police troops participating. They recorded 9,361 contacts, issuing 8,885 citations through the state. The bulk of the citations were for speeding. Officers also made 26 arrests for drivers who were under the influence of either alcohol or drugs.A total of 235 agencies will be participating in Wave 3.