D.A.R.E. Program Is More Than Just Drug Resistance

The D.A.R..E., or drug abuse resistance education program has been around for decades. Antelope county Sheriffs deputy John Shaver participated in the program when he was in 6th grade, and now is participating in a different way.
 
“The program has changed a little bit since from when I went through it,” Shaver said.  “But it’s a lot of fun and now I see the other side of it. But it still is just as fun teaching it as it was being the one taking it.”
 
Officer Shaver goes into the classrooms all around Antelope County once a week for 10 weeks. And for Shaver, its more than just teaching the kids about drugs, alcohol, or bullying.
 
“A lot of it is getting to know the kids and letting them get to know a law enforcement officer in a positive environment rather than always being in a negative environment,” Shaver said.  “Being in a small community like we are, I will see all these kids in different sporting events and at the different towns.  On duty and off duty, they recognize who I am and its good to see the advancements they are making.”
 
Shaver had to go to South Dakota for a class that took weeks, and he said the program is no joke.
 
“It was the hardest class I have attended and I have gone through a lot of different schooling,” he said.
 
But getting to know the kids in the communities and helping them grow is an important thing.
 
“The youth are the future leaders of our country,” Shaver explained.  “So helping them and giving them a good background and a good base to start life is just huge.”
 
Building the kids up and letting them know that police officers are people they can trust is huge, and knowing he can trust in the kids is a great thing too.
 
“Its been a benefit to us you know, to me because if I am having issues in the community the kids are willing to let me know what they are seeing or what they are hearing,” he said.  “And its just another line of communication for the sheriffs office.”
 
The program is all locally funded. No money comes from D.A.R.E America. Officer Shaver said he is thankful for always having funds in the past.
 
“Everything we have done has been funded by local businesses or local people,” he said. “So far we have had really good results with the money was always there when I needed to get stuff, I just hope it keeps happening so we can keep the program going.”
 
To donate, drop off money at the Antelope County Sheriff’s Office and make sure it is labeled for the D.A.R.E. Program.