Last week, the Sedalia Police Department D.A.R.E. Program graduated classes from Sacred Heart Elementary and Sedalia 200 Junior High School.

Police department officials say, “We are extremely proud of all of our graduates. We are also very proud of our D.A.R.E. program. D.A.R.E. is a prime example of a partnership between your police department and our community. D.A.R.E. is a collaborative effort between Police, students, teachers, parents and community members who step up to support our kids. The primary focus is to equip students with the tools they need to think through choices, make safe decisions and avoid potential dangerous situations.”

In 1989, the Sedalia School District and the Sedalia Police Department entered a partnership and began D.A.R.E. as a pilot program at Heber Hunt Elementary with 90 students.

Police officials say, “Since then we have grown to three school districts in Sedalia, teaching 399 students this year. We teach this program in Sedalia School District 200, Sacred Heart School and St. Paul’s Lutheran School. We would like to congratulate all of our graduates on their participation and dedication. We also appreciate the parents who allow our officers to teach your children and be part of their lives.”