TROOPER IS A TEACHER

Iusue: Steve Pavey

Our View: A well-deserved award

Most parents in Hardin County and the surrounding area don't know who
Steve Pavey is.

But their children probably do.

A Kentucky State Police trooper, Pavey has spent countless hours in
schools over the last several years talking to children about the
dangers of drugs and what drug use can do to those who take them, as
well as the people around them.

For many children he has been the voice on the many drug-use pitfalls
that are in society.

When it comes to providing children and young adults with information
to absorb, Pavey has been there. And it's not an easy job trying to
get youngsters to pay attention, but the 22-year KSP veteran has been
able to do it.

He catches students at impressionable ages and that helps put them on
course of knowing what is right and wrong. He has offered advice,
much like a father, but in a school setting.

Pavey was recently honored for his work at the Kentucky Office of
Drug Control Policy's annual convention in Louisville with an award
for his drug prevention, safety and education efforts in Kentucky.

Communicare Inc. prevention coordinator Kelly Harl said: "He's been
instrumental in drug prevention education in our schools and in
community collaboration efforts to address issues such as meth."

Even without an award, Pavey should be praised for his commitment.
Anyone who ever has sat in a classroom or on gymnasium bleachers and
listened to his discussions would agree that his "tell it like it
is" approach is impactful.

Educating children is part of his job, and one that he embraces. He
also works with adults on various projects such as how to properly
install a car seat in a vehicle.

Pavey doesn't work and educate only in this area. He has been around
the state and has been in demand for his program on the consequences
of meth addiction.

He's a teacher, with a very large classroom, who continually has done
his job well. Keeping children away from drugs is a difficult job in
these times, but someone like Pavey has long deserved a pat on the
back for his efforts.