The Annapolis Police Department in Maryland dedicated its new HERO Campaign patrol car to late Egg Harbor Township resident and U.S. Navy Ensign John Elliott last weekend in a ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy before its season-opening football game.
Elliott was killed by a drunken driver in 2000, two months after graduating from the Naval Academy. His parents, Bill and Muriel Elliott, created the HERO Campaign to promote designated driving.
“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,” Bill Elliott said of the Aug. 31 ceremony.
The Annapolis police Ford Explorer was the 27th police vehicle to be wrapped in the anti-drunk driving messaging of the HERO Campaign. The campaign partners with schools, law enforcement, bar owners, the NFL and the Philadelphia Phillies to spread its message.
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“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,” said Jeff Webb, president and CEO of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation.
Acting Gov. Nicholas Scutari signed into law Thursday a bill making the interchange between Route 42 and Interstate 295 in Camden County the Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange.
Edward Jackson, chief of the Annapolis Police Department, said the HERO SUV will be a constant reminder to residents and visitors to always have a designated driver when consuming alcohol. The cruiser will be used in normal traffic duty, at schools and at special events.
John Elliott was driving home from Annapolis for his mother’s birthday celebration when he was killed in a collision with a drunken driver near Woodstown, Salem County, in July 2000. He was named the Outstanding HERO of his class at the Naval Academy for his service as a human education resource officer and was preparing to enter Naval Flight School in the fall of 2000.
He is buried in the Naval Academy Cemetery, and the academy’s annual Capstone Leadership Seminar Program is held in his memory.
The wrap for the HERO car was donated by Kurt and Lila Beall, of Ocean City, New Jersey, who are also the owners of the Heroes Pub in Annapolis.