By Lara Fominoff @fomsy1 on Twitter

Black ribbons attached to Lethbridge buses as a tribute to slain Winnipeg transit driver

Feb 21, 2017 | 10:21 AM

LETHBRIDGE – In a show of solidarity with Winnipeg bus drivers, Lethbridge operators have attached black ribbons to their driver’s side mirrors today.

 58-year old Irvine J. Fraser was stabbed to death, while on the job at the University of Manitoba. It happened in the early morning hours of Valentine’s Day.

Transit Manager Conrad Westerson says the local Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)approached the city to allow them to put the black ribbons on the buses here, and the city agreed. He says drivers here also fear for their safety at times.

“There’s been an increase in assaults against bus drivers Canada-wide, but especially we’ve noticed here lately… we’ve had 4 incidents that were significant in the last year, to the extent that we have installed surveillance cameras on the buses because of the concern for the safety of our passengers and   for our drivers.”

The cameras were installed in January, in all city transit buses. They’re expected to reduce crime rates and to help identify issues that can be proactively addressed.Westerson says violence in any workplace should not be tolerated.

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“This is just an opportunity for us to get on board with our staff, and recognize the fact that they do work in an area that does put them at a bit of a risk.”

Fraser, who was set to retire next year, will be laid to rest today, and a representative from the local Lethbridge transit union will be at the memorial.

22- year old Brian Kyle Thomas has been charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and failure to comply with a probation order.