Van Drew Secured Funding for HERO Campaign

Federal dollars will support the branding of 125 police vehicles to encourage the use of designated drivers.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Isometric editorial illustration of a generic patrol vehicle on a simple road, representing public safety infrastructure. — Congressman Jeff Van Drew has secured $500,000 in federal funding to support the expansion of the HERO Campaign, which uses law enforcement vehicles to encourage the use of designated drivers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Congressman Jeff Van Drew has secured $500,000 in federal funding to expand the HERO Campaign. The initiative uses law enforcement vehicles as visual reminders to prevent drunk driving.

Why it matters

The funding aims to curb drunk driving incidents by increasing the visibility of the HERO Campaign through high-profile police partnerships. By using active patrol cars as moving billboards, the campaign reinforces the importance of designated drivers.

The federal allocation provides $500,000 to equip 125 law enforcement vehicles with campaign messaging. This expansion builds upon the organization's existing partnerships with schools and highway safety agencies.

The players

Jeff Van Drew

He is a United States Congressman who represents New Jersey's 2nd congressional district.

HERO Campaign

It is an organization focused on preventing drunk driving through the use of designated drivers.

John Elliot

He was an Egg Harbor Township resident whose 2000 death inspired the creation of the HERO Campaign.

The details

The HERO Campaign, which originated in South Jersey following the death of Egg Harbor Township resident John Elliot, partners with various stakeholders to promote designated driving. Branding active police vehicles serves as a constant, public-facing reminder of safety protocols.

2000: John Elliot lost his life to a drunk driver.
October 6, 2026: The federal funding was officially announced.

Health Landscape

This initiative follows a pattern set by the 2000 death of John Elliot in creating localized safety advocacy. It reflects a broader shift toward integrating public health messaging into essential community infrastructure like police fleets.

Residents in New Jersey may notice an increase in branded police vehicles acting as safety reminders while on the road. The visibility of these marked cruisers is designed to influence daily driving habits and encourage the use of designated drivers.

The takeaway

Visibility remains a key tool in public safety campaigns meant to discourage impaired driving. Residents are encouraged to prioritize safety by planning ahead for a designated driver before any outing.