Drunken driving symposium to feature panel discussion

A symposium on drunken driving will highlight Alcohol Awareness Week at Southeast Missouri State University.

"Drunken Driving: The Impact of One Choice" will be the topic of the symposium to be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Show Me Center.

Chad Perkins of Perryville, Mo., whose drunken driving killed his best friend, will be featured in a video interview.

"Every morning I wake up and think of my friend. Every night I pray for him and pray for forgiveness," he said.

KFVS12 news anchor Amy Jacquin will moderate the program.

The event will include a panel discussion on the financial, legal, psychological and medical ramifications of drunken driving.

The panelists include Morley Swingle, Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney; highway patrolman Blaine Adams; Dr. Michael Kolda, medical director of Southeast Missouri Hospital's emergency department; Lynn Hellman, Perkins' probation and parole officer; and John Heisserer, attorney and former judge.