| On June 3, 2026, the East Fishkill Fire District, in partnership with numerous local agencies and community members, conducted a realistic Mock DWI scenario for the senior class at John Jay High School. The event was designed to demonstrate the devastating consequences of impaired driving and to encourage students to make responsible decisions as they approach graduation and adulthood.
The program was organized with the assistance of Vice Principal Paul Albanese and members of the school's staff. Participating agencies included the East Fishkill Police Department, LifeNet of New York, Empress Ambulance Service and McHoul Funeral Home, which played the role of transporting the deceased victim from the simulated crash scene.
The scenario depicted a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident involving multiple injuries and one fatality. Emergency responders arrived on scene to provide medical care, including the activation of a medical helicopter for the most seriously injured victims. The driver responsible for the crash was portrayed as being intoxicated and was arrested after failing field sobriety testing.
Included in the scenario is a hysterical mother attempting to enter the active scene to reach her deceased child. Law enforcement officers are actively preventing her from entering the area, requiring responders to manage both the medical incident and the emotional impact of the family member's presence.
Following the crash simulation, students observed a mock court proceeding that demonstrated the legal consequences of impaired driving. Representing the prosecution was Deputy Chief Assistant DA Jennifer Fluck from the Dutchess County DA's Office. Ryan LeGrady served as defense counsel, while the Honorable Brian Rudner presided over the proceedings.
During the bail hearing, the prosecution outlined serious charges, including vehicular homicide. The defense argued that the defendant was not a flight risk, had strong community ties, came from a good family, was days away from graduating high school, and was preparing to leave for college with a promising future ahead. Despite those arguments, the judge ordered the defendant be remanded to jail pending trial, reinforcing the message that poor decisions can have severe and lasting consequences regardless of a person's background or future potential.
Students also heard a powerful victim-impact presentation from Dora Celestino of CAPE. Bill Beale Commissioner of Dutchess County Emergency Response attended the event in support of the program's educational mission. Additionally, Nate Robbins, a DC911 dispatcher, was on scene to provide live, real-time dispatch support for the scenario.
The Mock DWI scenario required extensive planning and coordination among all participating agencies and volunteers. More than 50 individuals contributed their time and expertise, with many rearranging work schedules or taking time away from their jobs to participate.
Programs like this are conducted with a simple but important goal: to prevent tragedy by helping young people understand the real-world consequences of impaired driving. If even one student chooses not to get behind the wheel while impaired—or prevents a friend from doing so—the effort has made a meaningful difference.
In situations such as these, the impact extends far beyond the families directly involved. These incidents affect friends, loved ones, and the entire community. They also take a tremendous emotional toll on the firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, dispatchers, and other first responders who are involved. While our role is to respond professionally and provide the best possible care and support, events like these can leave a lasting impact on all of us.
The East Fishkill Fire District extends its sincere appreciation to all our members, all participating agencies, volunteers, educators, and community partners whose dedication made this impactful program possible.
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