Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol visited the Westmoreland Central School District on April 14 to discuss the importance of the “No Empty Chair” campaign.
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, along with other police agencies across the state, is participating in the statewide traffic safety campaign during the week of April 19. As part of the campaign, patrols will focus on a different safety threat each day of the week:
Monday, April 19 – Speeding in school zones
Tuesday, April 20 – Seat belt use and child restraints
Wednesday, April 21 – Cell phone use and texting
Thursday, April 22 – Operation Safe Stop
Friday, April 23 – Underage drinking and impaired driving
Sheriff Maciol was joined by Superintendent of Schools Rocco Migliori and a number of Jr./Sr. High School students. Sheriff Maciol, Mr. Migliori and Senior Class President Clare Calogero all offered remarks.
“This initiative is designed to keep teens safe so they can enjoy what is ahead of them – prom, graduation and then moving on to the next step of their lives,” said Sheriff Maciol. “Please buckle up, slow down and put away your cell phones while driving. These few actions will make our roads and highways safer for all and help prevent tragedy.”
“As a superintendent, prom and graduation season causes many sleepless nights because you fear something bad could happen,” added Superintendent Migliori. “Like the Sheriff, I urge all students to make responsible and informed decisions not only when celebrating prom and graduation, but every day.”
The “No Empty Chair” campaign is an initiative of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. It was launched in 2014 in an effort to reduce the number of high school students who tragically die in traffic crashes during prom and graduation season. The empty chair symbolizes a missing high school senior on graduation day.
"We're really excited to get to do the normal senior things, like having a prom and a normal graduation,” said Calogero. “I just hope everyone can enjoy these experiences in a safe manner.”
To watch a story on the campaign that aired on WKTV, click here.
To watch a story on the campaign that aired on WUTR, click here.
To view more photos, click here.