On behalf of Parishville-Hopkinton Central School Administration: Dr. William Collins, Steven Coffin, Frank Barney, and the St. Lawrence County STOP-DWI Program, we would like to send a big thank to all those involved in the planning and execution of the Mock DWI crash held at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School on October 4, 2019.

The mock crash uses real crashed vehicles that have been donated, and set up at the fire hall with students from Parishville-Hopkinton and Colton-Pierrepont School Districts participating as actors in this scenario. These dramatic demonstrations like mock crashes educate teens about the severe consequences of substance impaired driving along with the harsh realities of a car crash. The objective of this program was to illustrate the possible consequences when people choose to drive impaired. This simulation highlighted the fire, rescue, and emergency medical system response to rescue efforts in real-time. As well as police performing field sobriety testing and arrest procedures on the impaired driver. We were also aided by the local coroner and the funeral homes for their assistance.

We would like to thank the following volunteers, participants and organizations for their hard work and dedication to this program: Parishville Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department including Chief Ed Cool, Hopkinton-Fort Jackson Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department and Colton Fire/Rescue Squads, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy Leighton Filiatrault; Coroner June Woods; Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home; Garner Funeral Home; St. Lawrence County Emergency Services and Fire Control; Parishville-Hopkinton Central Administration including Dr. William Collins, Steven Coffin, Frank Barney and Guidance Counselors for their support and dedication to carrying out this program. We would also like to acknowledge and thank our wonderful student actors: Parishville-Hopkinton students were: Mark Severtson, Jacob Fisher, Brynne Reid, and Alexandra Bruno. Colton-Pierrepont students: Tom Garvin, Jed LaBrake, Alexis Cuthbert, and Layla Johnson. Thank you to Andrea Ellison, PHCS Music Teacher and Musical Director, who played the role of a hysterical parent and Don Cannamela, for the sound system. We appreciated Colton-Pierrepont High School students joining us for this program.

Undersheriff Brooks Bigwarfe spoke to the students about impaired and distracted driving as well as the impact these crashes have on families and friends. He reminded the students about making proper choices and paying attention when behind the wheel to keep our roadways safe in St. Lawrence County.

When behind the wheel of a vehicle, each driver must focus on safe driving behaviors. Impairment starts with the first drink or drug. During the upcoming holiday season, please designate a sober and focused driver.

Michele James

St. Lawrence County STOP-DWI Program