Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly joined Freeport Deputy Chief of Police Donnie Ethier and Long Beach Police Commissioner Richard DePalma to announce $60,000 in grant funding to increase DWI enforcement in Freeport and Long Beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The initiative, funded entirely through criminal asset forfeiture, will provide additional patrol hours during the summer months—widely considered the most dangerous time on local roadways for alcohol- and drug-related crashes.
“This past weekend, Americans began flocking to airports and hitting the roads for the unofficial start of summer. Long Island remains a summer haven for New Yorkers looking to escape the city for a weekend and a great staycation spot for residents looking to take advantage of sun, surf, and waterfront dining and nightlife. But more cars on the road can spell more risk, especially when combined with alcohol or drug activity,” said DA Donnelly. “Every year, my office renews our commitment to keeping Nassau County roads safe, especially in our beach and waterfront communities in Long Beach and Freeport. These grants will support our dedicated police departments in their DWI enforcement efforts, providing them with the funds to put additional patrols on the streets and save lives.”
In Freeport, the funding
follows last summer’s patrol boost, which led to 60 DWI arrests between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2024. Of those arrests, six were upgraded to felonies due to prior convictions. One arrest took place directly in front of Freeport Police headquarters.
“We encourage everyone to enjoy the summer and take advantage of all that our waterfront communities have to offer. This is an excellent time of year. We urge you to enjoy this time responsibly. Don’t drink and drive,” said Freeport Police Department Deputy Chief of Police Donnie Ethier. “Our summer patrols have increased, and there is zero tolerance for driving under the influence. The Freeport Police and Mayor Robert Kennedy of the Village of Freeport would like to thank DA Donnelly for her continued support.”
Long Beach police have made over 1,000 DWI arrests since 2014, including 273 drug-related cases.
“While we are excited about the start of summer and all the good that comes with it, we also know it’s when DWI-related crashes and deaths spike,” said Long Beach Police Commissioner
Richard DePalma. “This support from District Attorney Donnelly saves lives. We want everyone who comes to Long Beach to get home safely from Long Beach and the DA’s assistance helps us achieve that.”
Officers participating in the patrols are trained in sobriety testing, breath analysis, and drug recognition. Enforcement will target peak times and high-risk locations including bars, restaurants, and beachside areas.
The initiative comes after a deadly stretch in August 2023, when three separate incidents involving impaired drivers killed seven people within nine days. All three drivers pleaded guilty to top charges in 2024 and received sentences totaling between 20 and 54 years.
