Bedford fire chief reenacts prom-night crash to urge students to avoid underage drinking

Brian Harding, the fire chief for Bedford City, led a demonstration showing a simulated prom-night crash to warn students about the risks of underage drinking and impaired driving ahead of the city's prom. The exercise, held during a safety presentation, aimed to show the potential real-life consequences of choices made during prom season and the summer.

"We want to show that there's real life consequences with those decisions," Harding said, introducing the reenactment and noting that the city’s prom is imminent. He said the department staged the scenario, with injured students portrayed, to make the safety message more immediate for young people.

Harding described the fire department’s capabilities in responding to such incidents, saying the team has "extensive amount of training in ... vehicle accidents, patient care, trauma care." He said the emotional impact of seeing peers injured during the demonstration is intended to encourage safer choices: "It hits hard ... hopefully it'll drive home the message ... to make good decisions this weekend and ... stay safe and ... have a great summer."

When asked about legal responsibilities, a questioner prompted a brief, direct reply emphasizing lawful behavior. Harding responded: "Not drink and drive. Okay. Drive sober and don't get pulled over." The remarks focused on both legal compliance and personal safety as the prom approaches.

The presentation did not announce new ordinances or enforcement measures; it was described as an educational demonstration by the Bedford City Fire Department. Organizers said the exercise is part of outreach to reduce underage drinking and impaired driving during prom season.

The demonstration is intended to be a preventive outreach to students and families in Bedford City; no formal actions or policy changes were proposed during the session.