Anti-Drunk Driving Campaign Being Launched in Norfolk County

Ensign John Elliott, a graduate of the Naval Academy, was struck and killed by a drunken driver on his way home for his mother’s birthday in 2000.

The driver had been arrested on DUI charges and released only to get back in the car drunk, killing himself and John.

The name of the campaign derives from an honor John received at Annapolis, having been elected by his peers as a Human Education Resource Officer (HERO) to mentor other cadets – and subsequently being selected the outstanding HERO in his graduating class.

The launch will follow a closed 90-minute training that District Attorney Morrissey is providing free to owners and managers of local liquor pouring establishments.

The HERO Campaign, which has been instituted at Patriot games and other NFL stadiums, is dedicated to saving lives on the roads by soliciting patrons to “Be a HERO, be a designated driver,” and working with restaurants and bars to build that into the culture of their establishments.

At holiday time last year, Morrissey launched “OBSERVE, DON’T OVERSERVE,” a campaign aimed at the barkeeps and wait staff in his district, to prevent drunk driving and associated injuries. 

This year, he is joining forces with the Elliotts to expand their national BE A HERO campaign into Norfolk County – the first in Massachusetts – to target patrons.

Information on the HERO campaign can be found here: http://herocampaign.org/

Information on the Norfolk DA/Foundation partnership can be found here:http://herocampaign.org/2012/10/norfolk-d-a-to-offer-training-for-establishments-that-serve-alcohol/