Gisele Kress, TOW Police Chief Ron Johnston and Vivian Smith. Photo submitted
By Marianne Christy
Gisele Kress of Old Forge was among the individuals and law enforcement agencies from throughout New York state honored at the MADD Stop-DWI Awards Luncheon held in Schenectady on Thursday, April 23.
Kress received the Non-Enforcement Contribution Award which recognizes civilian individuals and agencies who have made a significant contribution in reducing the incidence of impaired driving in their communities.
She was nominated by Mike Edwards, Herkimer County’s Stop DWI program Coordinator, for her role in starting the local MAC’s Safe Ride—a free alternative night-time transportation service, and for her multiple speaking engagements at area high schools relaying her personal experience with the loss of her son and his friend as a result of an alcohol-related accident.
Most recently, Kress worked with Town of Webb School officials and the local business community in bringing the Save A Life Tour, an international safe driving program, to the school for an all-day educational seminar.
Accompanying her at the luncheon were MAC’s Safe Ride board member Beth Tickner, Town of Webb Police Chief Ron Johnston and Vivian Smith, founder of MAC’s Safe Ride Continued in Tupper Lake, NY.
Since 1995, New York State highway safety partners have hosted an annual recognition event to present awards acknowledging outstanding efforts and achievements in deterring impaired driving.
This recognition program is supported by member agencies of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, the NYS STOP-DWI Association & Foundation and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
