GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus was presented with Dana Distributors’ 2017 Recognition Award on Friday, December 29th.
Neuhaus received the award at the annual announcement event for Dana Distributors’ Alert Cab program, which is designed to help prevent impaired driving on New Year’s Eve. Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, Sheriff Carl E. DuBois, Senator Bill Larkin, Assemblyman Karl Brabenec and a large contingent of local law enforcement also attended the event, which was held at Dana Distributors.
“I am grateful for this recognition and was honored to accept the award with my partners in the law enforcement community,” Neuhaus said. “I want to thank Fred Dana, the president of Dana Distributors, for continuing Alert Cab each year. Dana Distributors is a wonderful and generous community partner, and I appreciate that it supports the Alert Cab program, which can potentially save lives.”
The Recognition Award is given each year to a leader in the community who helps bring attention to alcohol awareness and creates strong partnerships with local officials and law enforcement. Troop F Commander Major Joseph Tripodo and Larkin earned the honor from Dana Distributors last year.
“We are proud to present this award to County Executive Neuhaus in recognition of his unwavering support for the Alert Cab program,” Dana said. “Orange County continues to raise awareness about drunk driving and the devastating impact that it can have on innocent residents. We want to be part of the solution and that’s why we created Alert Cab.”
For the 13th consecutive year, Dana Distributors is offering cab rides free of charge to residents in Rockland, Orange, and Sullivan counties as part of the Alert Cab program. Rides are available from 4 p.m. December 31 to 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Destinations must be within a 10-mile radius of pickup, and one must have driven his/her car to the location at which pick up is requested.
Participating bars and restaurants will have signs to let patrons know the program is available. The program aims to improve road safety and prevent drunk driving over the New Year’s holiday. The Alert Cab service is paid for by Dana Distributors and provided by 21 cab companies, including nine in Orange County.
“You can celebrate on New Year’s Eve, but be responsible,” said Hoovler, who was recognized with Dana Distributors’ Recognition Award in 2015. “If you don’t make the correct decision, you could end up in jail. Orange County has zero tolerance for drunk driving and law enforcement will remain vigilant during this holiday.”
Added DuBois: “We want to thank Fred Dana and Dana Distributors for continuing Alert Cab each year. It is an important program that has been successful for more than a decade. We want our residents to enjoy New Year’s Eve, but to arrive to their destinations safely. There is no excuse for driving under the influence, period.”