Baldacci backs Old Town drunken-driving project

OLD TOWN – Gov. John Baldacci showed his support Friday for a drunken-driving education project geared toward high school students when he announced the state will foot the bill for part of the program.

Old Town police Officer Debbie Holmes, who started the national Every 15 Minutes program in 2001 in Old Town, and Public Safety Chief Don O’Halloran met Friday with the governor at the public safety building to talk about the program.

“It’s quite a recognition for Old Town and the work that you folks do here,” Baldacci said. “I think it’s a great program.”

Every 15 Minutes is for high school juniors and seniors and re-creates a deadly drunken-driving accident involving teens. During the mock program, students are pulled out of class, parents are informed their child has been killed, and a mock funeral involving high school students is held.

Old Town was selected by the Every 15 Minutes national director to host a training in Maine for others interested in the program, which the department held in February.

The shockingly real program that promotes awareness of alcohol abuse has been adopted by schools around the state.

The cost of putting on the program, which Holmes does every other year, is about $10,500. Most of that money is provided through donations, but this year the officer still needs about $6,000.

Baldacci agreed Friday to fund the remainder of the project with money from his contingency fund, and in turn, Holmes’ work is to be turned into a pilot program for the state.

“The community responds to this effort,” Baldacci said.