Pubdate: Fri, 04 Nov 2005 Source: Paris Beacon-News (IL) Copyright: 2005 The Paris Beacon Contact: http://www.parisbeacon.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3141 Author: M. D. Brading GRESHAM REPLACES HENNESS AS NEW D.A.R.E. OFFICER More than 13 years educating area students about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, Paris Police Department's D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Officer Mike Henness is passing the torch on to a new face. Officer Chris Gresham officially became the new D.A.R.E. officer Monday. He has been a patrol officer at the local police department for over a year. "I have great confidence in Chris and am sure that he will continue to maintain the D.A.R.E. program and ensure its continuity," said Henness, who now bears a new title at the local department as its field training officer. Henness said his new responsibility entails conducting 14-week training sessions for newly hired police officers to adapt to the local community, locale and familiarizing officers with statutes and codes. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a D.A.R.E. officer," he noted. Henness replaced Sgt. Jim Lindley in 1992. Lindley helped initiate the local D.A.R.E. program in 1988 and served as its educator. "Unlike other communities such as ours, who have eventually dropped the D.A.R.E. program in their schools, we have maintained and expanded the program with the support of our local officials," explained Henness. "The D.A.R.E. program is essential in educating children about the dangers of drug and other substance abuse." He noted that through the program, children are being taught to be comfortable in the presence of a police officer not only as an authority figure but as an educator as well. "We also follow a curriculum which is specially designed for children of different ages and help them gradually understand the consequences of drug abuse," he explained. "The D.A.R.E. program works. It provides the information which will serve youngsters to stay away from any form of substance abuse." Henness said in his years as a D.A.R.E. officer he has also grown attached to the students. "I still see students that I have taught as first graders acknowledge me as freshmen or seniors at the high school," he added. "I feel satisfied knowing that they are staying away from drugs and are on the right track. Its fulfilling to know that." Meanwhile, Gresham spend his first week as a D.A.R.E. officer familiarizing himself with area schools, teachers and students. He has conducted several classes directed at kindergartners and first graders at Crestwood and Wenz schools. Having served as a substitute teacher through his college years, Gresham said he is comfortable in the classroom setting. "And I always wanted to be involved in a program where we continue to fight against drugs and substance abuse, so this is a good opportunity for me to do that," he explained. He hopes to make a difference by helping students make better choices. "My goal is to educate them and make them aware of the dangers of drug abuse," he explained. The D.A.R.E. curriculum is divided into four groups. Step 1 is aimed at kindergartners and first graders; Step 2, also referred as the Core Program, is aimed at fifth and sixth graders; Step 3 is designed for Junior High students and Step 4 is for Senior High students. While the elementary and junior high students are being educated through the D.A.R.E. program, Henness pointed out that the Senior High curriculum offered through the program isn't utilized to its potential. The Senior High program is targeted toward high-schoolers. Henness noted that while manpower and resources exist to conduct the program at the senior high level, the program is yet to be implemented. Paris High School principal Dave Meister noted that consideration should be given to implementing the D.A.R.E. Senior High curriculum with existing drug awareness programs at the school. "Our drug awareness program is done through SADD and health education," he said. "However, I think including the D.A.R.E. program is something that need to be looked at." He plans to make contact with Officer Henness and Gresham to explore the possibility. "I don't see why we shouldn't if it benefits the students," said Meister. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake