Thanks to an ongoing campaign sponsored by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., over 500 reprogrammed 911 cell phones were recently delivered to the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Fuschillo's cell phone drive has already placed thousands of 911 cell phones in the hands of victims of domestic violence, school crossing guards, and senior citizen bus drivers. For more than a year, Fuschillo has opened his office as a drop off site for used cell phones which he has reprogrammed to dial 911 only.

"Many victims of domestic violence who were once fearful to leave their homes can now do so with peace of mind knowing they are just a phone call away from law enforcement," Fuschillo said.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) reported that in 1996, 179,000 emergency 911 calls were made statewide with reports of domestic violence disputes and in 1997, over 9,000 orders of protection were known to be violated statewide. Overall, in 1997, DCJS surveys show that police reported over 100,000 reports involving domestic disputes with over 5,000 occurring in Nassau County alone.

Fuschillo thanks the many residents who have donated their used cell phones and the Bellmore Lions Club for their help collecting them. He also extends appreciation to Parkway Car Stereo for donating their time to sort and reprogram the phones.

"Rather than discarding an old cell phone, it can become a potentially life saving link for a victim of domestic violence or others in need," said Brian Norris, owner of Parkway Car Stereo. "My employees and I are pleased to donate our time to reprogramming the phones knowing that we are helping people throughout the community."

Fuschillo will continue to collect used cell phones at his office, located at 30 South Ocean Ave., Room 305, Freeport, NY 11520.