Anne Arundel County Police Department Unveils 'Hero Cruiser' in Memory of Naval Academy Graduate Killed by Drunk Driver in 2000

Yesterday marked a significant step forward in our community's efforts to combat drunk driving with the unveiling of the newly dedicated Anne Arundel County Police Department HERO car. This impactful event was a collaborative effort, including: Mr. Bill Elliott, Chairman and CEO of the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign, Tom Crawford, owner of O’Loughlin’s restaurant, members of the United States Naval Academy, and members of the Annapolis Police Department. The vehicle serves as a powerful symbol designed to prevent drunk driving and actively promote the crucial use of safe and sober designated drivers.

This initiative carries deep personal significance for Bill Elliott. Twenty-five years ago, just weeks after graduating from the Naval Academy, his son, John, was tragically killed by a drunk driver. From that devastating day, Mr. Elliott has transformed his profound grief into a passionate, lifelong mission to save lives and prevent similar tragedies. 

The heartbreaking incident that spurred the HERO Campaign occurred on the morning of July 22, 2000. Ensign John Elliott was en route from Annapolis to his family’s home in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, to celebrate his mother’s birthday. 

His parents, Bill and Muriel Elliott, were later informed that their son had been killed in a head-on collision with a drunken driver. Compounding the tragedy, the other driver had been arrested earlier that evening on DUI charges, subsequently released to a friend, who then allowed him to drive again, leading to the fatal crash, a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the importance of responsible choices.

More information can be found on HERO Campaign's website, www.herocampaign.org.

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