LOCAL HEROES BATTLE DRUGS

Red Ribbon Event, Week Aim to Curb Drug Use

Al Sharlow thinks spending quality time with children is a sure-fire
way to prevent drug abuse.

That's why he brought his grandson, T.J., 5, to the Community Drug
and Alcohol Council's Red Ribbon celebration Saturday at the Corry
Sports Complex.

"The younger kids don't really understand the concept of drug
prevention yet," Sharlow said. "They understand heroes. That's why
they need to spend time with these role models out here."

The role models included law enforcement officers, firefighters and
members of the military.

Mark Lyster, a K-9 officer with the Gulf Breeze Police Department,
agreed with Sharlow that children respond to and respect men and
women in uniform.

"I think it's really good for the kids to get to interact with us,"
Lyster said.

The three-hour event was a prelude to events for Red Ribbon Week,
Oct. 23-31. Activities during that week are part of the national
Drug-Free America campaign that uses education to raise awareness on
topics related to drug abuse.

Local agencies, including The Drug Education for Youth Program, the
Gulf Breeze Police Department, the Escambia County Sheriff's
Department, Crime Stoppers and the Community Drug and Alcohol Council
Inc., were on hand to encourage safe and healthy alternatives to drug abuse.

Several dozen people wore "100% me, drug-free" T-shirts and red
ribbons to take a stand against illegal drug use in the community.

However, along with that important message, there was time for fun.

The children jumped in inflatable, bouncing rooms, took rides in a
fire truck bucket and spent time with McGruff, the crime dog. Many
also attempted an impairment exercise, set up by the Community Drug
and Alcohol Council Inc., that involved pitching a ball at a target
while wearing a pair of goggles that simulates being drunk.

Amy Marshall, prevention coordinator for the council, said the goal
is early prevention.

"If we can just show them how to have fun in healthy ways now, they
will know they don't need drugs to have a good time," Marshall said.
"We really just want to teach kids to make good choices."