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Paramus END DWI Walk Of Remembrance Raises Awareness

PARAMUS, N.J. -- Dozens of DWI victims’ surviving family members and friends on Sunday took the fourth annual END DWI Walk of Remembrance — dedicated to reminding people about the dangers and potential heartbreak of drunk driving — at Van Saun Park in Paramus.

END DWI Walk of Remembrance participants.

END DWI Walk of Remembrance participants.

Photo Credit: Darren Sucorowski
“The message to everyone is to make better decisions when considering driving under the influence — as in: don’t do it.”

“The message to everyone is to make better decisions when considering driving under the influence — as in: don’t do it.”

Photo Credit: Lynn Sucorowski
Local and Bergen County sheriff's officers attended.

Local and Bergen County sheriff's officers attended.

Photo Credit: Lynn Sucorowski
"Choose Your Ride": the Fairview Police hybrid cruiser/taxi makes its point.

"Choose Your Ride": the Fairview Police hybrid cruiser/taxi makes its point.

Photo Credit: Lynn Sucorowski
The grove.

The grove.

Photo Credit: Darren Sucorowski
Dozens of DWI victims’ surviving family members and friends attended.

Dozens of DWI victims’ surviving family members and friends attended.

Photo Credit: Darren Sucorowski

More than 60 participants remembered loved ones killed by drunk drivers.

Speakers included retired Bogota Police Chief John Burke, Bergen County Chiefs Association President (and Westwood Police Chief) Frank Regino, Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor Martin Delaney and Lynn Sucorowski, an END DWI organizer whose niece, 19-year-old aspiring teacher Raven Grande of Park Ridge, was killed by a drunk driver five years ago.

“Every step taken by those who participate is for someone who can no longer take that step as a result of a totally preventable tragedy — a drunk-driving incident,” said Burke, a member of END DWI’s Board of Directors. “The message to everyone is to make better decisions when considering driving under the influence — as in: don’t do it.”

Also attending was Fairview Police Lt. John Pierotti, who brought the department's special "Choose Your Ride" hybrid police car/taxi reminder.

END DWI invited the vehicle.

"I'm happy that they see this as a positive reminder to make smart decisions while you're out drinking alcohol," Fairview Police Chief Martin Kahn told Daily Voice.

The event included a ceremony at the END DWI Memorial Tree Grove, where trees are planted and bricks placed along the path in honor of drunk-driving victims.

“END DWI has been the leading organization in Bergen County to make their mission to eradicate drunk driving incidents so that there will be no further victims,” Burke said. “Please support them in their efforts in raising awareness and generating resources to keep their mission and message alive.

“Any support you muster will go a long way,” the chief said.

MORE INFO: www.enddwi.org

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