The first class of the revival of the DARE program in Greene County was held last week.

Jefferson Police Officer and Certified DARE Officer Caleb Jans taught his first class to the fifth graders of Paton-Churdan School District. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio fifth graders at both Paton-Churdan and Greene County School Districts will learn about tobacco and alcohol, how to handle peer pressure and bullying situations, using communication basics, how to get help from others if you are in situations where drugs and alcohol are presented or being talked about, plus other topics.

Jans started with the Jefferson Police Department in January of 2017 and he describes why he wanted to be the department’s DARE Officer. “When I was in fifth grade my dad was my DARE teacher. So seeing that (and) how important it was for him to be around the school and interact with the youth. It’s important for me to build those friendly relationships.”

Jans will be teaching DARE classes at P-C twice per week for ten weeks. He adds that Greene County is still figuring out their schedules for when he can teach the program. Jans notes that public donations are welcomed to help purchase needed classroom items for the program. Donations can be left at the law enforcement center in Jefferson and checks can be made payable to the DARE program.