South Jersey HERO Campaign Gets $500K To Expand Program Nationwide

SOUTH JERSEY — A South Jersey-based anti-drunk driving campaign is set to expand beyond New Jersey after securing $500,000 in federal funding for its police patrol car program.

Congressman Jeff Van Drew announced the funding in Washington, D.C., saying the money will help the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign grow its Police Patrol Car program through the U.S. Department of Justice.

According to the announcement, the grant will help the HERO Campaign wrap police vehicles across the country with its designated driver message, “Be a HERO. Be a Designated Driver.®” The grant is expected to support about 125 additional police cruisers.

The HERO Campaign was founded in memory of Navy Ensign John Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2000 shortly after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy. According to the announcement, the campaign has since worked with law enforcement, schools, colleges, businesses and highway safety agencies to promote safe and sober designated drivers.

“The Elliott family has done incredible work for a very long time, and this funding will help them take that work even further,” said Van Drew. “Every one of these police cars is another reminder to people not get behind the wheel after drinking. If that reminder stops even one person from making that decision, that is a life potentially saved. I am very proud we were able to secure this funding for them.”

The funding is aimed at taking a program that has been visible in New Jersey and extending it to police departments in other states. According to the announcement, the wrapped patrol cars carry the HERO Campaign’s signature reminder about designated drivers, tying a public safety message to vehicles people regularly see in their communities.

“We are very grateful to Congressman Van Drew and the Department of Justice for this grant which will help us grow our life-saving campaign across the country in memory of our son,” said John Elliott's father Bill, co-chairman and founder of the HERO Campaign with his wife Muriel and daughter Jennifer Adamchak. “John wanted to serve his nation. Now he is getting his chance.”