Province provides funding to fight impaired driving

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By Nick Seebruch
Province provides funding to fight impaired driving
MPP Jim McDonell presenting RIDE funding to the OPP and CPS. Pictured from left-to-right are CPS Deputy Chief Shawna Spowart, CPS Cst. Patrick Depratto, Jim McDonell and SDG OPP Staff Sgt. Ameen Khan (Nick Seebruch/ Seaway News).

LONG SAULT, Ontario – Stormont, Dundas, and South Glengarry MPP Jim McDonell presented local police services with $31,682 to help fight impaired driving.

The presentation of the Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) Grant was made at the OPP detachment in Long Sault. The money will be split equally between the OPP’s SD&G detachment and the Cornwall Police Service (CPS).

“With this funding, our local police services will be able to conduct regular roadside spot-checks and education campaigns needed to detect impaired drivers and keep our roads safe,” said McDonell. “It will help pay for sworn officers’ overtime and paid duty RIDE activities, and that’s really important.”

CPS have laid 47 impaired charges in 2019, while the OPP have laid 160.

“This funding will assist the Cornwall Police Service in combating impaired driving in our community,” said CPS Chief Danny Aikman. “Through increased RIDE programs and education campaigns, we hope to continue to raise awareness to the dangers of impaired driving and remind the public of the various means of transportation available for a safe and sober ride home.”

OPP SD&G Detachment commander Inspector Mike Mulhearn reminded residents to drive sober this holiday season.

“I would like to remind our residents and visitors not to drink and drive and to facilitate safe roadways and trails this Christmas and New Year’s season. OPP members from SD&G Detachment will be conducting RIDE Programs throughout the three United Counties,” said Mulhearn.

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