UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. recently appointed Eric Townsend as the county’s new STOP-DWI coordinator.
He officially began in his new role on May 16, taking over for Oneida County Emergency Services Director Edward Stevens who had been temporarily overseeing the job’s duties.
“Oneida County is lucky to have Eric Townsend coordinating its STOP-DWI Program,” Picente said in a press release. “He has a strong background in emergency services and online marketing and will bring a fresh perspective to the table. I look forward to seeing where he takes this important county program.”
Established in 1981, Oneida County’s Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated (STOP-DWI) coordinates efforts between municipalities to reduce alcohol-related traffic injuries and fatalities.
Prior to this role, Townsend spent the past five years as a paramedic supervisor for AmCare Ambulance Service in Rome, where he managed a team of paramedics, developed an EMS assistant program, assisted with all training programs, and operated the company’s website and social media. Before that, he spent four years as an EMT and paramedic. He was also a paramedic preceptor for MidState Paramedic Program and a CPR instructor for the American Heart Association.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Oneida County as STOP-DWI coordinator,” Townsend said. “I look forward to working with my traffic safety colleagues, along with law enforcement and the community, to carry out County Executive Picente’s vision for keeping our roadways safe.”
Townsend also serves as the volunteer labor director for the Boilermaker and has coordinated fire and medical services for the event in the past. He also serves as volunteer director and EMS director for the CNY Memorial Stair Climb.
A Rome native and Rome Free Academy graduate, Townsend received his associate degree in criminal justice from Mohawk Valley Community College. He received his bachelor’s degree in public justice from SUNY Oswego and holds his paramedic certification from Herkimer County Community College.
