ALTMAR-PARISH-WILLIAMSTOWN CSD

In an effort to educate junior and senior students about the real-life consequences of impaired and distracted driving, Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Junior-Senior High School held a real-life Mock DWI Crash simulation.

The presentation was a collaborative effort involving the school and multiple local agencies, aimed at sending a life-saving message to all in attendance.

APW JSHS Principal Jennifer O’Malley noted, “This kind of experience is heartbreaking, but necessary. If just one student makes a different choice behind the wheel because of this, it was worth every effort.”

The event unfolded in front of the school, where local roads were temporarily closed to set the stage for a realistic crash scene. Members of the student government arrived early to undergo detailed makeup and prosthetic work, transforming into injured crash victims. Once prepped, they were positioned in and around the vehicles to begin the simulation.

As their classmates looked on, the full emergency response began. Local fire departments, EMS teams, law enforcement officers, a K-9 unit and more arrived to assist at the scene. Once the “victims” were treated or removed, the audience transitioned to the auditorium where the somber narrative continued. Students watched as the “parents” of the deceased learned of their loss, witnessed the arraignment of the impaired driver and attended a funeral. The experience brought many students to tears, deeply emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

“This powerful event was the result of months of planning and collaboration across multiple agencies,” said Stacy Lighthall, Senior Probation Officer and STOP DWI Educator. “It also served as a valuable training exercise, allowing first responders to engage in a realistic emergency drill.”

Participating agencies included:

• Fire Departments: Parish, West Amboy, Williamstown, Altmar, Oswego County Fire Coordinator’s Office
• EMS Agencies: McFee, NOCA
• Law Enforcement: Oswego County Sheriff’s Department, New York State Police (K-9 Unit)
• 911 Communications Center
• Oswego County STOP DWI/Probation Department
• Oswego County DSS (Volunteers provided moulage)
• Oswego County District Attorney’s Office/Coroner
• Amboy Judge Beth Dunham
• Harter Funeral Home
• APW Student Government (actors)
• Oswego County Emergency Management Office & Drone Coordinator

The hope is that this eye-opening experience stays with students for years to come, helping prevent tragedies before they happen.