In a ceremony held Aug. 31 at the U.S. Naval Academy, the Annapolis Police Department unveiled its new HERO Campaign Patrol Car to prevent drunk and impaired driving in memory of Navy Ensign John Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, a 2000 Academy graduate killed by a drunken driver.
At the dedication ceremony, John Elliott’s father Bill Elliott was joined by Annapolis Police Chief Edward Jackson, Naval Academy Superintendent Yvette Davids and her senior officer staff. Following the unveiling, the HERO car led the Brigade of Midshipmen as they marched from the Academy to the Navy Marine Corps Stadium for their season-opening game against Bucknell.
The newest HERO cruiser is the 27th to be dedicated by the nonprofit John R. Elliott HERO Campaign and the first outside New Jersey. The Ford Explorer is wrapped with the message “Be a HERO. Be a Designated Driver” and the campaign’s blue and yellow emblem. The wrap was donated by Kurt and Lila Beall of Ocean City, who also own HEROES Pub in Annapolis.
John Elliott was killed in a collision with a drunken driver near Woodstown, NJ in July 2000, two months after graduating from the Naval Academy, where he was named the Outstanding HERO of his class for his service as a Human Education Resource Officer. He was driving home from Annapolis for his mother’s birthday celebration and was preparing to enter Naval Flight School in the fall.
“We couldn’t be more honored to bring the Elliott family back to the Naval Academy as we support the HERO Campaign and the City of Annapolis’ unveiling of a new HERO Patrol Car,” said Vice Adm. Davids. “This event is particularly poignant as it pays tribute to one of our very own Naval Academy graduates. I can’t think of a more important way to remember his legacy of service to others than by bringing a HERO Patrol Car to Annapolis.”
“We are proud to partner with the HERO Campaign in our mutual efforts to prevent drunk and impaired driving,” said Chief Jackson. “Our HERO SUV will be a constant reminder to both residents and visitors to always have designated drivers whenever they are drinking alcoholic beverages.” He said the cruiser will be in service on normal traffic duty, and at schools and special events.
“Annapolis and the Naval Academy hold a special place in our hearts, and we are honored to have them host our first HERO patrol car outside of New Jersey,” said Bill Elliott. He noted that their son is interred in the Naval Academy Cemetery, and the Academy’s Capstone Leadership Seminar Program is held annually in John Elliott’s memory.
“Working together with the HERO Campaign and our local partners, we are proud to honor our alumni Ensign John Elliott’s legacy by promoting the importance of designated drivers and preventing impaired driving,” said the USNA Foundation’s Jeff Webb. “The Elliott family has dedicated themselves to this effort and the memory of their son for almost 25 years. Their devotion to this campaign has saved lives, and we look forward to being a part of future initiatives to advance this cause.”
The Elliotts established the HERO Campaign to create a national movement promoting designated driving. The campaign partners with schools, colleges, police, bar and tavern owners and NFL and the Philadelphia Phillies. Over 150,000 motorists of all ages have taken the HERO Pledge not to drink and drive and to be designated drivers. For more information go to the HERO website at www.herocampaign.org.
