On Feb. 3, I celebrated my 30th year as a law enforcement officer. In that time I have witnessed both the best of humanity and the worst. Thank God that the good times far outweighed the bad. Having recently witnessed another potentially fatal traffic accident involving youths, and alcohol; I feel I would be remiss in not commenting publicly on a recent event within our Floral Park Village. This incident involved a decades old formula for tragedy – Youth + Alcohol + Driving (speed) = Disaster.
There is ample research that the drinking of alcohol is not a “youthful rite of passage” but rather has some real world implications most of which result in tragedy and misfortune. I ask that you as parents, educators, and other concerned stake holders join the Floral Park Police Department in addressing this very serious problem that exists within our Village.
The police department will be visiting business owners who possess a license to sell alcohol and advise them against the practice of serving “Underage children”. Those found not to be in compliance will be met with the full force of the law thereby jeopardizing their license and business.
Road safety checkpoints will be established throughout the Village to ensure that persons operating vehicles within our village are not consuming alcohol to impairment.
FPPD Police Officer John Groshans, our school resource officer, will again try to educate those youths on the threshold of experimentation against the consequences of alcohol. The Floral Park Police Department cannot do this alone. We need a team approach, parents, educators, coaches, business owners, concerned residents and the police, can make a difference. Let’s all act to avert further tragedy.
Floral Park Police Commissioner Stephen G. McAllister
