Orange County News
For Immediate Release Contact: Christopher Borek
Tuesday, July 06, 2021 845.291.3276, 845.238.4245c
District Attorney Hoovler, Orange County Police Administrators,
and Dana Distributors Discuss Summer Safety
Addressing Safety on the Roads and on the Water, and with Fire and Fireworks
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler; some of Orange County’s police administrators; and Tom Kennedy of Dana Distributors, Inc., on July 1, 2021, in the run-up to the Independence Day weekend, held a press conference where they urged residents to exercise care in their outdoor activities this summer. The press conference was held at O’Toole’s Pub in Monroe. In addition to staff from District Attorney Hoovler’s office and Mr. Kennedy, attending the press conference were Major Paul DeQuarto, Commander of Troop F of the New York State Police; Captain Peter Cirigliano, Commander of Troop F’s Zone 2, covering Orange and Rockland Counties; Undersheriff Kenneth T. Jones from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office; Chief Darwin Guzman and Sergeant Doug Krauss from the Village of Goshen Police Department; Chief Dan Doellinger from the Town of Chester Police Department; Deputy Chief Frank Basile from the Town of Highlands Police Department; Sergeant Allen Faust from the Town of Goshen Police Department; and Tom O’Toole, owner of O’Toole’s Pub and the President of the Orange County Restaurant and Tavern Owners Association.
The participants at the press conference recommended that residents use care this summer in the following areas:
- Impaired Driving. Everyone should be vigilant in how much alcohol or other drugs they consume before operating a motor vehicle or a boat. That vigilance is especially important when it comes to marijuana, which has recently become legal for adult use in New York. Operating vehicles under the influence of marijuana remains illegal and remains dangerous, and the laws against it will be enforced.
- Water Sports. Residents are urged to use safe boating practices, to wear life jackets on the water, and to respect the safety rules of their water sports.
- Fire Safety. Residents are encouraged to take appropriate precautions when dealing with fire, including grills, fire pits, smokers, and bonfires. Care is especially urged around children.
- Fireworks. Only fireworks that are legal in New York State should be used, and all fireworks should be used with caution, especially by and around children.
“Now that the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be easing,” said District Attorney Hoovler, “it’s understandable that people will want to come together this summer. I don’t blame anyone who wants to enjoy life outdoors this summer with their family and friends. But remember to use your head. Impaired driving is dangerous and illegal, and law enforcement will be on the lookout for those driving or boating while under the influence. Water sports can be fun, but the water should be respected. In fact, just recently we have seen three drownings on the Delaware River, incidents that could have been avoided if proper safety precautions had been taken. Using fire and fireworks can be enjoyable, but can also be deadly if not used safely. Enjoy your summer outside, but please don’t be reckless in your outdoor activities. Let’s have everyone be safe.”
"The simple message is: Don't drink & drive,” said Orange County Sheriff Carl E. DuBois. “Our first responders are busy enough. Don't put them or the lives of others in danger."
“If you’re planning to toast this pivotal moment for our country by cracking open a cold one,” said Tom Kennedy from Dana Distributors, “we hope that you’ll join us in our pledge to keep our celebrations safe, by hydrating between drinks, and by planning ahead for safe rides home.”