Letter to the Editor: Many helped to make New Year's Eve safe

Editor:

The “Home Free” service provided on New Year’s Eve is a critically important part of our holiday Sober & Safe Campaign. This was our 19th year, and we are very grateful to those who make it all possible.

This year, approximately 330 people were provided safe rides on New Year’s Eve, thus removing a significant number of alcohol-impaired drivers from the roads and making the whole community safer.

A special word of appreciation, once again, goes to Havre Ford for dispatching the calls and providing the drivers, cars and safe rides. For the 19th year in a row, these community-minded citizens stepped into the breach. Who can really know how many tragedies were avoided because of their efforts? Thank you, Havre Ford.

Also, word about the Sober & Safe Campaign couldn’t have gotten out without the help and cooperation of the Hi-line Tavern Association, the DUI Task Force, the Havre Daily News and New Media Broadcasters. And we don’t want to forget Todd Boucher at Holiday Station Store for the free coffee and pop so the drivers could keep on keeping on. Thanks to all of you.

Last but certainly not least, thank you to Havre Police Department, Hill County Sheriff’s Department and Montana Highway Patrol for their special efforts this holiday season to keep our streets and highways free of alcohol-impaired drivers and, thus, safer for everyone. Law enforcement is vigilant all year long, 24/7, to make and keep our community safe, but especially so over the Christmas and New Year season. Thank you.

On behalf of the DUI Task Force, we hope you all have a healthy and happy 2015.

Rich Jespersen

Sober & Safe Project Coordinator