In Honour of the Fallen…
Motorists: Please Slow Down
Please slow down when passing first responders—police, fire, EMS & tow truckers—working on the road, so that everyone gets home safely to their families at the end of shift.
When it comes to inattentive driving, a tragedy can happen in the blink of an eye…
But the devastating impacts will last a lifetime.
In 2024 alone, 24 police officers in the United States were struck & killed by passing motorists while working on the road. This is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. Our hearts & prayers go out to these fallen officers’ family, friends & colleagues.
In honour of these officers—and the thousands of other first responders (police, fire, EMS & tow truck drivers) who have been killed or injured on the road over the years—the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF) has created another powerful traffic safety video urging motorists to slow down when passing first responders working on the road – and give them room to work. Because everyone has the right to make it home safely after work.
Here is the link to view the short video on the JPMF You Tube channel.
The JPMF was started in 2000, after the death of Calgary police officer, Constable John Petropoulos. John was investigating a break and enter complaint at a warehouse when he stepped through an unmarked false ceiling and fell to his death. There was no safety railing to warn him—or anyone else of the danger. He was 32. He was also my husband.
Shortly after his death, several of John’s police recruit classmates started the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund. Twenty-five years later, we—the JPMF—are still going strong, raising public awareness about the importance of workplace safety for all workers.
Please take a moment to view and share the above traffic safety video…you just never know who needs to see that ‘slow down & pay attention’ reminder.
Thank you.
“Road safety is more than just a set of rules; it’s a responsibility that every driver shares with the community.”
- Quotecharm
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