Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Dallas Fire-Rescue have joined together to "wrap the metroplex in red."

They announced today a new campaign to prevent drunken driving and brings MADD's "Tie One on for Safety" initiative to a local level.

MADD sticker

As part of that campaign, MADD is giving out red-ribbon stickers for Dallas-Fort Worth residents to put on their vehicles as a reminder to think of alternative ways to get home before going out to drink. Dallas Fire-Rescue will also place the stickers on their emergency response vehicles.

"Awareness really makes the difference," said Mary Kardell, executive director of MADD's North Texas affiliate.

Kardell and Dallas Fire Chief Eddie Burns spoke about the partnership along with two special guests at Station No. 28 in Lake Highlands. Station No. 28 was chosen to honor Julio Alvarado Jr., a former Dallas Fire-Rescue officer who was killed by a drunken driver two years ago.

Teresa Alvarado, Julio Alvarado's widow, and Abby Threadgill, a Lake Highlands High School graduate who received a scholarship in memory of a drunken driving victim, joined Burns and Kardell.

Drunken driving accidents typically claim more than 1,000 lives nationwide between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, Burns said. "If it's predictable, it's preventable," he added.

The Dallas Fire-Rescue-MADD partnership aims to "help bring awareness to an epidemic, drunk driving," Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesman Jason Evans said.

Burns said the campaign also serves to honor Julio Alvarado.

"We remember Julio Alvarado Jr.," Burns said. "We dedicate this campaign to his memory."

Alvarado's widow echoed Burns' statement.

"I feel like it's his legacy to bring awareness," Teresa Alvarado said.