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Area's
D.A.R.E. truck takes first in nation
July 14,, 2004- The Outlook
Alexander
City D.A.R.E. vehicle takes First Place in Nationwide Competition
There
is a new vehicle in town that can be seen and heard from a mile
away. It's not a new fire truck or police car, but it's the new
D.A.R.E. vehicle.
The D.A.R.E. car went from a normal black 1985 Chevrolet Blazer
with a few logos on it, to a multi-colored, electronically-equipped
machine that has taken first place in a nationwide D.A.R.E. vehicle
competition.
"We originally got this car in 1996 when it was seized in a drug
bust," said Alexander City Police's D.A.R.E. officer, James Orr.
"We revamped the car, and it is like it had a face lift. We had
some donations from supporters of the D.A.R.E. program who helped
us with this endeavor, and it's now hitting the street with a message."
That message is to take "take charge of your life," and it is plastered
all over the Blazer to make people take notice and think about what
it means.
"Our old message was 'seized in a drug bust,' letting people know
if you violate the law and sell drugs, your property could be seized,"
Orr said. "With our new message, we went along with the theme of
our new curriculum, which has the idea of taking charge of your
own life, and making good decisions. We want to prepare children
for the future."
Orr said when he is driving around town, he sees people intrigued
with the Blazer, and he hopes it sends a message.
"I
can see the look in people's faces as I go through town," he said.
"With young people, I can tell it's getting their attention. I hope
they take notice and take charge of their lives and make good decisions."
Orr said putting the new graphics on the car, along with the paint
job, new tires, stereo system and electronic equipment was a lengthy
process that many had their hands in. He said Assistant Chief James
Hardman, city shop head mechanic Mike Parrott and others worked
on the Blazer for months.
To showcase the new vehicle, Orr attended the D.A.R.E. national
conference in Nashville last week, and the car earned the police
department a first place trophy.
"I entered the vehicle in a car show that had about 30 cars in it,"
he said. "In our class, the truck and van show vehicles, we placed
first competing against 10 vehicles."
Alexander City Police Chief Avery Morris said he is excited the
Blazer is new and improved and can be used as an educational tool
with Alexander City's youth - not just by seeing the message as
it drives around town but also with the video equipment that can
make the car into a moving classroom.
"I'm really proud of the job James Orr has done," Morris said. "I
thank the city shop and Mike Parrott for all the support on the
project."
Orr said Total Audio Performance of Wetumpka, Deeps Paint and Body
in Montgomery, Jasper Engines, Alabama Transmissions, Max Tire Center,
Alexander City Muffler, Graphics Depot and A No. 1 Camper Sales
all were involved in the creation of the new Blazer.
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