DWI memorial ceremony honors 39 of Rensselaer Co.

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Rensselaer County families, friends, and loved ones impacted by drunk driving gathered for a memorial ceremony at the Rensselaer DWI memorial site on Tuesday, April 23. Rensselaer District Attorney's Office organized the event as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

The observance honored 39 Rensselaer County residents who died in impaired driving accidents. On Tuesday, two names were added to the memorial, honoring John A. Flood, Sr. and Kevin Munn.

District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly said both men were innocent victims. She added that lawmakers need to consider the Deadly Driver Bill which could potentially close prosecution loopholes in drunk driving cases. "I reiterate my concern about the legalization of marijuana and the impact that it will continue to have on our ability to keep our roadways safe," she said.

The memorial was established in 2000 at 13th Street and Congress Street.