PORT JERVIS – Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the unofficial start of the warm weather recreation season and law enforcement had a message for those who plan on having fun – don’t drink and drive or boat.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, several local police officials and Dana Distributors jointly announced a safety message in the City of Port Jervis on Thursday, just blocks from the Delaware River, one of the area’s favorite recreational spots during the summer. They also noted the county is home to Greenwood Lake and the Hudson River, also favorites of boaters. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office will be on the Hudson with their patrol boat this weekend.
L-R: Dana Distributors’ Tom Kennedy; Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden; Orange County DA David Hoovler (podium);
County Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Services Craig Cherry; Orange County Sheriff’s Office Chief Dennis Barry
“Don’t drink and drive or boat, and wear a life jacket,” Dana Distributors’ marketing manager Tom Kennedy said.
Hoovler said prosecuting DWI’s is one of his top priorities.
“My office will prosecute all cases that come forward and I have a stern warning for everyone – if you are going to endanger the public we will prosecute you and you will have a criminal record and it will cost you $10,000,” the DA said. “The fact of the matter is a DWI conviction in the State of New York will cost you $10,000.”
Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden, the past president of the Orange County Police Chiefs’ Association, warned that drunk drivers will get another ride, in the back of a police car on their way to the county jail.
The Memorial Day weekend push coincides with the annual Safe Boating Week.
