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Winnebago County Sheriff To The Rescue Should Auld Acquaintance Drink Too Much

Flickr user Edward Simpson
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It’s the one night of the year Winnebago County residents are happy to find themselves in the back of a squad car – it’s the Sheriff’s department’s annual New Year’s Eve Ride Home program.

If you’re out at the bar, had a few too many drinks, and your designated driver has ditched you, calling the Sheriff’s department for a ride is not usually your first instinct.

Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputy Dominick Barcellona is one of a handful of deputies driving people home from bars as the celebrations wind down. He says it’s usually a pretty fun assignment – people are in a good mood and appreciate the service -- but don’t be offended if you are patted down before you get into the squad car.

“Unfortunately, this day and age, any time people don’t look at us as people, they look at us just as a uniform and a symbol of government, so we have to be real careful who we seat behind us. So there’s a chance they will be subject to search for weapons before they are given a ride home.”

If you’re wanted on a warrant, you might want to find another way home, too.

Barcellona says the most important thing, though, is keeping impaired drivers off the roads. “Don’t drink and drive. Be safe,” he advises, “There are alternatives out there if you don’t want to use us, the Sheriff’s department. In Winnebago County, there’s Uber, there’s taxis, there’s friends, there’s parents – please use a designated driver.”

Between 30 and 50 people take advantage of the rides each year. Barcellona reminds potential riders that, no matter how hard they try, deputies will not help you bar hop to ring in the New Year. They’re taking you home to sleep it off.

Winnebago County Sheriff’s New Year’s Eve Ride Home

  • Call (815) 639-4674
  • Free rides home available from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
  • Rides are only for Winnebago County residents, from establishments within the county to their homes
  • If you have another safe option, take it. Deputies are busy!
Susan is an award-winning reporter/writer at her favorite radio station. She's also WNIJ's Perspectives editor, Under Rocks contributor, and local host of All Things Considered.