In Massachusetts, Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey launched a regional anti-drunken driving campaign in conjunction with the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers at Gillette Stadium with local police departments and bar and tavern owners on Nov. 2.

In 2009, more than 12,000 people were arrested for DUI in Massachusetts, and more than 650 people were killed in the preceding five years. These are numbers that the DA wants to turn around.

Morrissey, along with Bill and Muriel Elliott, met with owners and managers of Norfolk County bars and liquor-serving restaurants to discuss “The Ensign John R. Elliott Be a HERO. Be a Designated Driver” campaign.

The Elliots’ son, Ens. 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 launch of the program followed a closed 90-minute training session that Morrissey provided free to about 150 owners and managers of local liquor establishments. Training highlighted ways that owners and managers can responsibly serve their guests.

The name of the campaign derives from an honor Elliot 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.

* Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health; MADD; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Century Council.