Pubdate: Fri, 23 Dec 2005 Source: Rutland Herald (VT) Copyright: 2005 Rutland Herald Contact: http://www.rutlandherald.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/892 Author: Johanna Sorrentino, Southern Vermont Bureau Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) RETIRED N.Y. CITY POLICE OFFICER TAKES OVER COALITION LUDLOW -- Two years ago Paul Faenza, 47, retired as a New York City police sergeant and moved to Mount Holly with his wife and two children. He has come out of his retirement to serve as the new project assistant for the Black River Area Community Coalition, an anti-drug and -alcohol initiative serving Ludlow, Mount Holly and Plymouth. BRACC Coordinator Brigid Sullivan said Faenza's nine years of experience in narcotics investigation and enforcement will be used to educate students and parents about the risks of youth intoxication. "I've been there," Faenza said. "I've dealt with 15-year-olds dying of drug overdoses." The addition doubles BRACC's full-time staff, made possible through a five-year federal drug-free communities grant worth $500,000. Faenza started two weeks ago and said his focus now is on promoting awareness of alcohol use among teens. "There has been a real problem in the last couple of weeks with underage drinking," he said. Sullivan said this is a typical side effect of the holiday season. "It's a party time of year and kids pick up on that," she said. Faenza and Sullivan are planning parental training programs showing how to spot drug and alcohol abuse in their children. They also want to teach adults in the region about the legal consequences of supplying alcohol to minors. Faenza said he will work closely with local and state police in recognizing area retailers that do not sell to minors. They also plan to increase positive activities through the youth initiated grant program, which gives money to students for their own events. Sullivan said six groups of students have submitted grant applications and will hear back in January. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman