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. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake