Testimonies

"I had the honor of listening to Mr. DeMott tell the story of his daughter, Keri Anne, and spreading the message about impaired driving. He spoke from the heart, drew all the audience into where we all felt the pain of him and his family. He also inspired all the FHP recruits to strive to be better enforcers of DUI’s. Mr. DeMott is an inspiration to all he talks to, and the lives he touches are forever changed for the better." 

–Trooper Deb Hawkins; FHP Troop D

"I just wanted to let you and Bill know that I attended the training last month in Lake County.  I took a vacation a few days after and came back to work Thursday night. I had my first DUI after the class the same night; Bill and Keri Anne DeMott were in my thoughts the entire time. I took advantage of the training and applied my updated skills to make the arrest.  .210/.217 after at least three hours since his last drink. I am asking that you let Bill know that I am sorry I could not have met his daughter, but she made a difference on July 13th in Pinellas County. I am a Reserve Officer for the Kenneth City Police Department. I left law enforcement a few years ago to go into teaching full time for the Pasco County School District; I teach a Criminal Justice Academy at Zephyrhills High School. Keri Anne will continue to make a difference to high school students who are part of that community also. I will share their experiences and let them know that they did not have the opportunity to meet a wonderful person because of someones selfish act. I would love to have you visit our school/students. Thank you for your time. Thank you for making a difference and if possible, please pass on my gratitude to Bill for making a difference in our lives."

-Officer Rob Perrault; Kenneth City Police Department

"Today, our high school students were educated, enlightened, and deeply moved by the impactful presentation brought to us by the Keri Anne DeMott Foundation. I only wish every young adult had this opportunity to hear their important message. This presentation was exactly what our students needed; presented in a way they appreciate. Our students were engaged in both their minds and their hearts during a two part assembly with speakers Officer Frank Imparato, and presenter, Mr. Bill DeMott. Officer Frank presented well to young adults with authority but also approachability. He commanded the students’ respect and attention with a well-balanced and paced presentation. Bill grabbed the kids’ attention with videos of his pro-wrestling days, which immediately drew the kids- sports and entertainment most always does. He had, and never lost, their attention, with commanding, forceful, and yet, heartfelt dialogue. He spoke to the students in a no- nonsense-respectful way, evoking a chuckle here and there with some ironic self-deprecating tech humor. Touching on bullying, social media, substance abuse, and more, he reinforced the concept of decision making and empowerment, that everything we do and all of our achievements start with a decision made in a moment of time. With the toughness and grit only a pro-wrestler could pull off, he challenged students to navigate social media by remembering what it means to be “real men”, and then asked daughters in the audience to consider their fathers, and make good choices by respecting themselves. Our students gave Officer Frank and Mr. DeMott a long standing ovation, and it was clear that the presentation was very impactful. We have had many students, parents, and faculty state just how powerful the presentation was, and we are so grateful for the foundation and its effect on our student body."

- Maria Garrison; High School Registrar, Windermere Preparatory School  

"The stories really will stay with these kids and given the world we live in today, they are extremely important ones to be told. Thank you for not only teaching our kids in the classroom, but most important teaching them life lessons." 

-Windermere Preparatory School Parent

"Bill DeMott's presentation hit home for many of our students and parents. His message about prioritizing your time and capitalizing on every minute with your family and children was powerful. Being a person who works daily with children and is a father myself, I was reminded of the importance of our positive influences we can make to all we interact with. Bill's presentation is meaningful, powerful, and would captivate an audience at any level."​
-Bryan Dolfi; Principal, Stone Lakes Elementary School

“We often hear that change never happens right away, but if there’s anyone who can make you believe otherwise, it’s Bill DeMott. After listening to him tell the story of how he tragically lost his 20-year-old daughter Keri Anne, minds are changed, actions are set in motion, and lives are undoubtedly saved. His story is powerful, and he shares it bravely.The DeMott’s first connected with our agency in early 2016, and they immediately became part of our family. Bill has participated in ride-alongs and given motivational speeches to our officers, and he and his family shared Keri’s story in a series of online videos that have reached thousands of people. Bill, Keri, and the DeMott family will forever be close to our hearts, and we encourage you to invite them into yours."

-University of Central Florida Police Department

"I was there last night and heard you speak. From the bottom of my heart, KNOW that you are making an impact!! My son was there for his Drivers Education class, and you made a huge impact on him, and several others in his class. Thank you SO much for all you do. Your beautiful daughter is looking down, proud of her Daddy!!!"

-Samantha Christman; Marion County Victim Impact Panel

"You delivered an amazing speech to our dads and kids and certainly stressed the importance of fatherhood for the kids. You formidably expanded on our discussion of topic (WORDS) and shared remarkably to our audience the impact of how few things carry as much weight as the words we are told. For better or worse, words have the ability to shape who we believe ourselves to be and, ultimately, who we become. Because of this, it is imperative that a father consciously build up his children, affirming what is good about them, and confidently reminding them of his love. We appreciated very much for you to take some time off of your busy schedule to address our community's fathers and children and I am sure it will have a positive impact in their lives."

-Eric Bitton; Physical Education Teacher, Stone Lakes Elementary School

"Bill DeMott moved our student body to tears as he recounted the special moments he enjoyed with his daughter Keri Anne, and the tragedy that changed his family world forever. His message was both timely and encouraging for young people living in today's fast paced world that is influenced by technology, drugs, and alcohol. I believe his presentation changed minds and attitudes for good, and I am grateful for the time well-spent with Bill and The Keri Anne DeMott Foundation on our campus."

-Dr. Chad Holden; Principal, Muscle Shoals High School 

"Bill’s presentation to our team was both intense and educational for our guys. The energy in the room was amazing as the way he controlled the room kept the guys locked in with a mix of emotions. The message was something our guys needed to hear to reinforce and understand what kind of consequences their life decisions can cause internally and externally. I know his heartfelt words will positively affect our guys moving forward and they will hear his voice in times that they will need it most for the rest of their life." 
-Greg Lovelady; Head Coach | Baseball; UCF Athletics Association, Inc.

"Not only does Bill and his daughter, Casey, bring about the importance of not driving while drinking and being distracted by cell phones while driving, their message on being accountable for our actions and words were penetrating and well received by our students. This is a message that all students, teachers, and parents can benefit from."

-Mary Iaccarino; Music Teacher, Good Shepherd Catholic School