Peoria Unified celebrates athletes
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This Week
Peoria’s Hometown Newspaper
AMSAF awarded $20K for helmet program
FEATURES..... 10 Barro’s, Pepsi partner for pediatric cancer fund
OPINION...................6 FEATURES...............10 RELIGION................13 YOUTH....................15 CLASSIFIEDS...........16
June 17, 2021
Quest for Closure: Justice for Brandon BY BRIAN CANO
Peoria Times Contributing Writer
NEWS..............3
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Liberty High School graduate Brandon Caserta walked to the flight line at Naval Station Norfolk on June 25, 2018, and said, “I’m sorry you have to see this.” The 21-year-old man threw himself onto the spinning tail rotor of the military helicopter. Since then, Brandon’s parents, Patrick and Teri Caserta, said they have left no stone unturned. The Peoria couple are pushing for the passage of The Brandon Act. If signed into law, the act will refer someone who utters “I need to talk to someone about the Brandon Act” for a mental health evaluation. On June 25, 2020, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), along with the Casertas, pre-
sented the national legislation. Teri said The Brandon Act would make it easier for service members to seek mental health care unidentified. “I am very Brandon Caserta vocal,” Teri (Submitted) said. “In order to get somebody interested, I have to tell them what he did when he died.” Ironically, the Casertas said it was common ground that brought them together with The League of United Latin Ameri-
can Citizens (LULAC), which is, reportedly, the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights volunteer-based organization. Teri said the league understood its mission and “went right to work.” The league launched a month-long campaign on May 25, in Peoria to “Save Our Servicemembers.” A candlelight vigil was held in honor of Brandon at Rio Vista Community Park near the fishing pond at the Peoria’s Veterans Memorial. Dr. Adam McCray, a clinical psychologist who helms Peoria’s West Valley Vet Center, reminded the crowd that it is possible to be successfully treated from PTSD. It’s never too late to seek help. “We offer quick, easy access to care for any veteran servicemember who is strugSEE BRANDON PAGE 4
Tips to stay safe this fireworks season BY MADELINE LEWIS Peoria Times Staff Writer
Peoria allows for closely monitored fun this Independence Day. While there are permitted public fireworks displays, many households also like to celebrate at home. If any community members plan to purchase and use fireworks before July 6, consider these guidelines. Peoria Fire Capt. Mark Barbee shared more information about how to stay safe.
“Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks,” he said. Consumer fireworks allowed for purchase include sparklers, novelties and ground-based fireworks. Consumer fireworks are only allowed on private property, meaning in the backyard or driveway. Fireworks are not permitted on streets or in public parks, except for displays with permits. Staying in a safe area will help prevent any accidents. When lighting fireworks at
home, stay away from dry grass or anything flammable in the yard. Return to social distancing and keep space between all people holding sparklers. When using fireworks at home, proximity to water is key. While lighting the fireworks, “keep a hose with a shut-off nozzle nearby” so that water is easily accessible if needed to put out fires or sparks. In addition, keep a bucket of water nearby. Place all malfunctioning fireworks and used sparklers in the water before.
RETHINKING MEMORY CARE
Newly renovated private & shared room options. 2021_MemCare_Banner.indd 1
623-847-3100 www.glencroft.com 6/10/21 4:38 PM
