Officials of a Cambria County bus company say they're waiting for a report from Adams Township police before commenting on a recent incident that's raised serious questions about public safety.

At issue is whether a police officer, responding to an emergency call, has the right to pass a school bus unloading students. Forest hills district bus drivers say south fork police officer Robert Mackey did it twice last week, at high speed, putting students at risk. The drivers say it's their understanding that no vehicle, even emergency ones, are allowed to pass a bus with flashing red lights. But South Fork Police say in cases of extreme emergency, like a potential hostage situation, state law does allow it

Paul Deffenbaugh, South Fork Police, said, "Those type of calls are very serious. Someone's life's on the line possibly. When that call goes out, we must respond to that call. If it means exceeding some of the speed limits, we have to do that. If we go through a stop sign, we have to do that."

Deffenbaugh said Officer Mackey did proceed around the buses at a slower speed and with his lights flashing.