MAC’s Safe Ride and Town of Webb Patrol-man A.J. Silverman were among those honored at the 6th Annual Herkimer County STOP-DWI Law Enforcement Recog-nition Breakfast on Wednesday, March 26 for their efforts to curb drinking and driving in their communities.
Accepting the award on behalf of MAC’s was organization co-founder Gisele Kress who received the award from Town of Webb Police Chief John Russell, who also nominated Officer Silverman for the honor.
Kress, who helped launch the late-night transportation service following the death of her son Matt Girouard and his friend Craig Sears in a 2009 car accident, was one of the many presenters and recipients who had the opportunity to share their experiences of the consequences of DWI.
“It was remarkably touching to hear their stories. Following the presentation I was humbled to be approached by some high ranking officials curious about our service. They were so impressed to hear we run basically on donations and volunteers. It reminded me, once again, why it’s such a blessing to live in this area,” she said.
Kress said the award was made even more meaningful having received it from Chief Russell, as Matt and Craig worked for him prior to their accident.
Russell also had the unenviable job of delivering her and her family the news of the boys’ deaths.
“We sometimes forget that the local police are there to protect and serve, not to harass us. And that’s exactly what John Russell does. Those doors he knocks on to inform people of tragedies…if you could see what he and the other officers see on a daily basis, you would think differently,” she said.
Kress also acknowledged the work of Mike Edwards, longtime director of the Herkimer County STOP-DWI program.
Edwards, who himself lost a nephew to DWI in the past year, joins Kress in conducting bi-monthly programs for Town of Webb School driver’s education students.
He will also come to the area in May to offer TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) classroom training to those working in hospitality field.
TIPS provides education and training for the responsible service, sale and consumption of alcohol.