On Sunday afternoon, December 13, 2009, Special Agents Lisa Wright and Carter Wells, Virginia Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC), visited our station and provided a unique presentation to our Junior Members as part of the Junior's monthly training.

Special Agent Wright began the training by first introducing guest speaker Mrs. Norma Perry, a local mother who lost her 18-year old daughter Ashley Ann Perry in an alcohol-related car accident.  In memory of Ashley, Mrs. Perry is being proactive and reaching out to other young people by bravely sharing the events surrounding her daughter's tragedy, including the heartbreak and effects Ashley's death left on their family & friends.  "My beautiful daughter passed away January 27, 2002, at the age of 18.  I miss her every minute of every day..."  

Special Agents Wright and Wells followed with their presentation on alcohol consumption, drug use, tobacco use and speed in a vehicle.  As ABC Special Agents, they are responsible for:

• Investigating all alcohol, drug and tobacco-related crimes and all criminal codes in the Commonwealth of Virginia;
• Licensing all businesses that sell alcohol and educating them on the safe sale & service of alcohol;
• Charging licenses administratively when regulations or criminal codes are violated.

The Mission of the ABC is "To control the distribution of alcoholic beverages; operate efficient, conveniently located retail outlets; enforce the laws of the Commonwealth pertaining to alcoholic beverages and youth access to tobacco products; and provide excellent customer service, a reliable source of revenue, and effective public safety."

It is never too early to educate the younger generations of the risks involved with such topics.  As an EMS Provider, it is important to personally know the types of calls one may respond to within our own community.   

We extend our sincere gratitude to Mrs. Perry for  taking time out of her weekend to personally share her daughter's story with us.   As Mrs. Perry so eloquently stated, the most important lesson to be learned is that "ultimately, the decision is ours."  We will never forget the impact of Mrs. Perry's words & the lesson she so kindly shared with us.

Special thanks to Special Agents Wright and Wells for also taking time out of their weekend to speak with us and for their continued dedication to their profession & to our community.

Ashley Ann Perry, killed in an alcohol-related car accident on January 27, 2002