Staff Report / tempelocal.org

**Arizona Launches Annual "Operation Southern Shield" to Monitor Commercial Vehicle Safety**

The Arizona Commercial Vehicle Safety Partnership (ACVSP) has announced the implementation of its annual “Operation Southern Shield,” set to take place from Monday, February 24, 2025, through Friday, February 28, 2025. The operation will focus on Interstate 10 (from Phoenix to the New Mexico state line) and Interstate 19 (from Tucson to the U.S.-Mexico border).

The ACVSP is a collaborative effort involving troopers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau and officers from the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Enforcement and Compliance Division. For this year’s effort, more than 80 inspectors from ACVSP, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, the Marana Police Department, and the Goodyear Police Department will participate.

During the operation, teams will target safety concerns involving commercial vehicles. Emphasis will be placed on motor carrier safety regulations, including verifying driver qualifications, adherence to hours of service requirements, and ensuring the overall safe operation of vehicles. Enforcement officers will also address hazardous moving violations, distracted driving, and seat belt compliance among commercial drivers.

Operation Southern Shield is part of the ACVSP’s ongoing mission to reduce risks connected to commercial vehicle collisions and promote safe, secure, and efficient transportation throughout Arizona.

Source: Arizona DPS

Source Type: Police

Source Location:

Casa Grande, AZ

https://www.facebook.com/912390560923734/posts/1042557777907011

Maricopa business alliance to host awards night Feb. 28

MARICOPA, Ariz. — The Greater Maricopa Business Alliance will host its annual awards night Feb. 28 at Global Water Resources in Maricopa, with a 6 to 10 p.m. program and a VIP hour from 5 to 6 p.m. that will include trivia, a photo booth, an auction and awards, and sponsors including SRP, Orbitel Communications, Kramer Media, Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sun Corridor, Roof Geeks, Adobe Blinds and More, and PinalCentral; registration is available online.

Traveling Museum Celebrates U.S. 250th Anniversary

Traveling Museum visits commemorate U.S. 250th anniversary in Florence and Casa Grande.

I-10 Stop Yields 40.5 Pounds Cocaine

Traffic stop yields discovery of 40.5 pounds of cocaine.

Maricopa Highway: Road Rage Escalates to Gunfire Incident

Road rage incident injured two; highway temporarily closed then reopened.

I-10 Riggs Road Bridge Closed for Repairs

I-10 disruption: Riggs Road bridge closed Dec 12–15 for repairs.

APS to Sponsor Eight Arizona Holiday Events

APS hosts eight diverse holiday events across Southern Arizona this season.

Maricopa Hosts 6th Annual Holiday Toy Drive

Maricopa hosts toy drive with festive activities, market, and live entertainment.

Arizona Arrests Two in Cockfighting & Illegal Enterprise

Arizona detectives arrested two men for illegal cockfighting, enterprise, and animal cruelty.

Officer Garcia Killed in Tragic On-Duty Crash

Officer Garcia died in fatal crash responding to a drunk driver tip.

APS Volunteers Build Bicycles for Foster Care Kids

APS volunteers built six bicycles, delighting foster care children with joyful rides.