Police To Crack Down On Drunk Driving In Watchung, Green Brook

Watchung/Green Brook, NJ - The July 4th weekend brings barbecues, parties and drinking.

And with that, Somerset County Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano said law enforcement will be out in full force throughout the summer.

He also is asking locals to plan to have a designated driver as part of the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign.

“Many people will be celebrating this weekend with family and friends, both locally and around the state,” said Provenzano. “It’s important that you have a plan to ensure a safe return trip if you will be drinking. By planning ahead and consuming alcohol responsibly, you can protect yourself, your family, friends and other drivers from tragic loss of life or injury on the road."

As part of the HERO campaign, several businesses will be handing out brochures and magnets.

Participating businesses include:

• Verve Restaurant in Somerville,
• Big Heads Pub in Hillsborough,
• Lexus of Bridgewater
• and BMW of Bridgewater.

Bill Elliott and his wife Muriel started the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers in memory of their son, U.S. Navy Ensign John R. Elliott, who was killed in a collision with a drunk driver in July 2000.

While at the U.S. Naval Academy, Ensign Elliott was selected as a Human Education Resource Officer (HERO) to counsel and mentor other members of his company and was named “the outstanding HERO” of his graduating class. Ensign Elliott was killed two months after graduating from the academy.

For more information about the HERO Campaign, visit www.herocampaign.org or contact Lt. Steve SanAntonio at 908-231-7168 or SanAntonio@co.somerset.nj.us or Sheriff’s Officer Nick Fazio at 908-231-7140 ext. 9 or Fazio@co.somerset.nj.us.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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