LT. ANDY PINGOLT - STAUNTON POLICE DEPARTMENT D.A.R.E. OFFICER
One of today’s most important teaching jobs gives children the skills to recognize and resist the pressures that cause them to experiment with drugs, or become involved in violent activities. This job is taken on, and not taken lightly, by our own D.A.R.E. Police officer Andy Pingolt. The D.A.R.E. Program, an acronym for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, started in Staunton’s schools in December of 1994. Founded in 1983 in Los Angeles, the successful program is now used in 80 percent of our nation’s school districts and more than 52 countries around the world. Pingolt teaches the 17 week program to children in the fifth grade at the three Staunton schools. Police officers are a natural choice to teach the D.A.R.E. Program. Law enforcement training and experience on the job give them the background needed to answer sophisticated questions asked by students about drugs and crime. Pingolt sees another benefit to his teaching duties.
The kids get to know the police and they aren’t afraid to talk to them. Because they know me from D.A.R.E., they tell me about problems that they normally would keep to themselves, he said. Pingolt completed an 80-hour D.A.R.E. training to qualify for the program. This special training focuses on areas such as child development, classroom management, teaching techniques, and communication skills. He is required to attend workshops and seminars for updates on quick changes in dangerous behaviors and drugs. State investigators periodically make unannounced visits while Pingolt conducts classes. Besides the drug awareness and positive alternatives to destructive behavior, the D.A.R.E. program works on building a positive relationship between the police department and the community. Parents and teachers appreciate young people acquiring the skills to avoid big mistakes in their lives. Funding for D.A.R.E. comes from the schools, the city and private donations. Donations are accepted at the Clerk's Office in City Hall.
Pingolt guides his students beyond the classroom. Working the afternoon shift as a police officer, he interacts with former D.A.R.E. students. I’ve had many kids tell me they have used the training to help them make decisions in their lives, he said. One former student told him about trusting herself to play baseball, using self-esteem skills learned in D.A.R.E. Before taking the class, she was afraid to try, now she knows she can do many things because she believes in herself. This is a small part of the training but a big thing to a young person who is learning how to live. The D.A.R.E. training overview tells instructors, Learning to function as a responsible, sharing member of a group and to participate in cooperative problem solving is a key factor in helping students meet their need for affection, recognition, respect and feeling of self-worth. D.A.R.E. has been praised by three presidential administrations, governors, members of Congress, and state legislators. Since 1988, one day each year has been declared National D.A.R.E. Day by Presidential Proclamation. In his National D.A.R.E. Day Proclamation on April 13, 2000, President Clinton told the nation, Peer pressure to abuse drugs and alcohol; negative influences in films, music, television, and videos; school violence; gang activities; fear and low self-esteem — any or all of these pressures can lead young people to make unwise choices that can jeopardize their future and even their lives. Since 1983, however, there has been a strong positive influence in the lives of America’s children that is helping them to navigate safely through these dangers and uncertainties: Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.). Kids and adults can enjoy games and activities by visiting the official D.A.R.E. web site.
News reports, surveys and a great deal of other information is available at the site. It takes a national approach to fight a national problem, fortunately, when dealing with the problem on a local basis, Officer Andy Pingolt is here. Pingolt has touched many lives. Our future leaders are learning how to make choices in D.A.R.E.
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