Orange County Emergency Services Commissioner, Peter J. Cirigliano II, announced today that Orange County police agencies and the STOP-DWI Program will participate in special efforts to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.

Police Chiefs’ Association of Orange County President, and Town of Crawford Police Department Chief Dominick Blasko emphasizes, “Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating not unintended consequences because of a poor decision. We have a plan in place to keep the roadways safe and you should have one to arrive home safely.”

This Thanksgiving weekend, millions will hit the roads eager to spend time with family and friends. It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year, and unfortunately more people on the roadways means the potential for more vehicle crashes.

Captain Arthur Worden, New York State Police Troop F Zone 2 Commander shares, “As the Thanksgiving holiday season approaches, I want to reassure motorists traveling our highways and roadways that the New York State Police will have an increased presence to ensure everyone’s safety. Troopers will be highly visible, particularly focusing on enforcing driving while intoxicated (DWI) laws to prevent impaired driving and protect lives. We encourage all travelers to plan responsibly, designate a sober driver, and prioritize safety on the roads. Together, we can make this holiday season safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

In a combined effort to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives law enforcement officers across New York State and STOP-DWI programs will be participating in special engagement efforts. The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign will start on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 and will end on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Orange County Sheriff, Paul Arteta suggests, “Don’t drink and drive during the Thanksgiving holiday and ensure that your loved ones reach their destination safely. If you overindulge or see someone overindulging, please have a plan to get yourself and them home safely.”

Orange County District Attorney, David M. Hoovler, adds “Drinking and driving is 100% preventable. So, this holiday season, be responsible and have a plan. Remember, someone is waiting for you to get home safe.”

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. You can help to make a difference by Having a Sober Plan! Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning.

November 20, 2024 in News Notices

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus Issues Executive Order No. 15

With regard to the Jennings Creek Fire, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus issued Executive Order 15 of 2024, rescinding Executive Order 14 related to a state of emergency in Orange County resulting from the severe Jennings Creek Fire Event.

COUNTY OF ORANGE

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 15 OF 2024

RESCINDING EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 14 OF 2024 RELATED TO A

STATE OF EMERGENCY IN ORANGE COUNTY

RESULTING FROM A SEVERE FIRE EVENT

I, Steven M. Neuhaus, County Executive of the County of Orange, State of New York, do hereby declare as an EXECUTIVE ORDER the following:

WHEREAS, on November 13, 2024, I issued Executive Order No. 14 of 2024 declaring a State of Emergency related to a severe fire event within the County, which included, inter alia, the closure of schools within the Greenwood Lake Union Free School District as well as suspension of certain travel to the affected areas and procurement policies; and

WHEREAS, County Officials have determined that the Emergency Declaration, and any extensions thereof, is no longer necessary; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I do hereby declare that that the conditions for which the State of Emergency declared pursuant to Executive Order No. 14 of 2024 no longer necessitate the continuing of a State of Emergency; and

I FURTHER FIND, that Executive Order No. 14 of 2024 is hereby rescinded in its entirety, including any extensions issued thereafter and pursuant thereto, effective immediately.

This order is pursuant to my powers contained within the Orange County Charter (Section 3.02-q) and Administrative Code (Section 3-2-q) and Section 24 of the Executive Law of the State of New York.

ORDERED this 19^th day of November, 2024

Hon. Steven M. Neuhaus

Orange County Executive

For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845.291.2700 or presscontact@orangecountygov.com.

To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X. You can also watch Neuhaus’ NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube.