High School proms are meant to be filled with joy, celebrating, and the creating of wonderful memories. Unfortunately, this very special night of celebration is often mixed with alcohol and/or drug use, which  can tragically lead to lives being changed forever, or even worse – lost forever.

A Prom Promise event recently took place at Poinciana High School, designed to show how a seemingly simple decision can lead to a horrific tragedy. The prom promise was attended by mostly Poinciana Seniors, and was an opportunity for students to make a literal  “commitment” to be drug and alcohol free, especially on Prom Night.

Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS organized the event that was designed to discourage drunk driving through a simulated Osceola Fire Rescue and FHP vehicle crash response, an Orlando Health Air Care Team helicopter airlift, a DUI arrest by FHP,  and a bold message from Trooper Steve that driving under the influence is never ever acceptable.

Nearly 800 Floridians were killed in 2021 by those driving under the influence, but with the help of  the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Orlando Health Air Care Team, Funeraria San Juan, and Trooper Steve – who did an extraordinary job as emcee, students will hopefully be able to better understand the consequences of driving while intoxicated. It’s a matter of life or death!