DWI Patrols, Checkpoints To Increase All Summer In Suffolk: Sheriff

YAPHANK, NY — Starting this July 4 weekend, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will increase DWI patrols and checkpoints from Huntington to the Hamptons all summer long to keep Suffolk’s roads safe "during one of the most dangerous times of the year," Toulon said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. was joined by County Executive Ed Romaine, DA Vehicular Crimes Bureau Chief Carl Borelli, STOP-DWI Coordinator Caroline Flynn, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office intern Emily Cordano and MADD Regional Executive Director Paige Carbone to officially launch the 2025 Summer STOP-DWI Campaign aimed at keeping impaired drivers off Suffolk County’s roads.

"Impaired driving is a choice-a selfish and dangerous one," Toulon said. "Make this a summer to remember, not one you wish you would forget."

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office’s said its STOP DWI team, which is on pace to break an annual record of DWI-related arrests, with 116 arrests to date compared to 209 in all of 2024, will be increasing patrols and sobriety checkpoints throughout Suffolk County all summer.

The officials were also joined by SCSO intern Emily Cordano, a close friend of Andrew McMorris who was tragically killed by a drunk driver while hiking with his Boy Scout Troop in 2018. She shared her personal story and advocated for responsible decision-making among youth, who the sheriff's office says is at "heightened risk for impaired driving incidents."

According to a statement, young adults, ages 21 to 34, made up nearly half of all alcohol-related fatalities during last year’s July 4th holiday and the sheriff's office aims to "empower young people to make smart decisions through education, social media campaigns and strong enforcement."

Toulon's office urges all residents to plan ahead of the weekend and use a designated driver or ride-sharing service, and limit alcohol intake.

"Making the decision to drink and then drive is selfish and dangerous to not only you but especially other people on the road. Suffolk County law enforcement is out there looking for you. This holiday weekend do not make the decision to get in a car while drunk or impaired by drugs or alcohol," said County Executive Romaine. "In this day of ridesharing and constant communication, there is simply no excuse to get behind the wheel when you're under the influence. Young people need to learn this early. Drinking and driving can ruin your life and especially ruin the lives of others."