The Tacoma/Pierce County DUI and Traffic Safety Task Force will operate a DUI emphasis in and around Buckley on Saturday.

The multi-agency task force is staffed by law enforcement officers throughout Pierce County, who run monthly local emphases to hunt for drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol. The Task Force is run by the county’s Community Connections Chemical Dependency Program, which also runs education initiatives through presentations and displays at community events.

The Buckley-area emphasis will be overseen by Sgt. Rob Hoag of the Bonney Lake Police Department.

Saturday’s emphasis coincides with the annual Buckley Log Show, an athletic competition that consistently draws big crowds to the sleepy east Pierce city. The Log Show’s arena-side beer garden, watched over by officers of the Buckley Police Department, is a popular stop for spectators to unwind while they watch loggers chop, saw and climb. But with adult fun comes an adult responsibility to exercise safe choices. Sgt. Hoag said he hoped the additional police presence would encourage spectators to avoid getting behind the wheel.

Penalties after conviction on a first DUI offense in Washington state include one to two days in jail, up to $5,000 in fines, drivers license suspension, a vehicle ignition interlock device requirement, required SR22 insurance and possible alcohol and drug education. Penalties increase with subsequent offenses.