Thoughts For Thursday

DRINKING AND DRIVING; THERE ARE STUPIDER THINGS, BUT IT’S A VERY SHORT LIST.
                                                                                                -unknown

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  10,839.  Repeat this number with us again…..10,839.  This isn’t the amount of new job opportunities for those seeking employment, nor is it the amount of new housing being built for families in need of a secure home.  10,839 sad to say is actually the amount, recorded in the year 2009, of people who were killed as a result of drunk driving.  It is a known fact that everyday someone loses their life.  It is a harsh reality for someone’s life to be taken away from them due to one’s irresponsibility in the decision to drink and drive. 

On Sept 11, 2011 a son was taken from his parents, a brother was taken from his sibling, a significant other, grandson, nephew, cousin, partner, friend PO Kevin Jessup.  Kevin Jessup was a 25 year old PO assigned to the 106^th precinct in Ozone Park, Queens. When almost returning home, from out celebrating his girlfriend’s birthday Sept 11, 2011, a drunk driver by the name of Jonathan Lopez slammed his 100 miles per hour vehicle into the back of Jessup’s, which hit another vehicle.  After the initial impact Jessup’s vehicle hit a guardrail, flipped over, and rolled into the deep woods along the Southern State Parkway exit 30.  Thus leaving the car out of view for motorist to even know there was a state of emergency.  Jessup’s girlfriend Crystal who was riding in the passenger seat climbed out of the window, through the debris, and onto the highway to try and flag down someone for help.  Her prays were answered when a bystander was able to call 911.  Once 911 arrived to the scene it took an estimated thirty minutes for emergency staff to locate Jessup’s body for rescue.  He was rushed to Nassau University Medical Center where Jessup was later pronounced dead.

Prosecutors say 20 year old Jonathan Lopez not only refused a breathalyzer test but officers also found marijuana and a glass pipe in his vehicle.  Lopez was arrested and is currently charged with second degree vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, third degree assault, and speeding.

PO Kevin Jessup was a young man who lived day to day working to help others, to protect and serve.  He will never be forgotten by his loved ones, friends, and brothers & sisters in blue.  A life taken in a tragic accident as a result of ignorance and stupidity choosing to drink and get behind the wheel.  Not only endangering yourself but also those who might be in the car with you or in another vehicle.  Once a life is over it cannot be brought back.  The results and consequences of drunk driving is NOT WORTH ANYTHING, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!!!!

ALTERNATIVES TO DRUNK DRIVING

- Take a cab to your destination.

- Have a designated driver.

SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING!!!!!

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

The Century Council