The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Pre-Thanksgiving game teaches DWI awareness
The Utica Comets joined with Madison, Oneida, and Herkimer counties’ STOPDWI programs to help raise awareness about drunk driving around the holidays.
The Utica Comets hosted the Laval Rockets at home in the Adirondack Bank Stadium on the night before Thanksgiving. Fans experienced several different events throughout the night to get themthinking about their plan to get home safely. As fans walked through the foyer, an educational table was set up where they could enter to win a jersey by answering a question regarding driving under the influence.
Madison County STOP DWI Prevention Education Specialist Jennifer Cottet, and Oneida County STOP DWI Coordinator Tom Giruzzi, facilitated the questions and provided handouts such as stadium cups, koozies, pens, and flashlights to remind the fans of sober driving. Alongside them was a driving simulator regarding driving while intoxicated provided by Alliance where virtual reality gave people the opportunity to see their ability while impaired.
Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood, Herkimer County Legislator Jim Bono, and Oneida County Probation Director Dave Tomidy escorted Dalton Buss to the ice for the puck drop in honor of his brother Kane Buss. Kane Buss, a 2013 graduate of Oneida High School and aspiring law enforcement student, was killed by a drunk driver in January 2015. Dalton was accompanied by Mike and Claudette Buss along with his fiancé Morgan Simmons. The fourwere given the opportunity to ride the zamboni in honor of Kane.
Fans saw various PSAs throughout the night featuring the sheriffs from Madison and Oneida counties, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente and Utica Police Chief Mark Williams regarding drinking while driving. There was also a puck shoot where participants were asked to wear beer goggles and shoot into the net.
Comets took the night home
with a 3-2 win over La- val Rockets. “I want to remind everyone to not drink and drive and get a safe ride home,” said Madison County STOPDWI Coordinator Sgt. Matt White.