RCMP THANKS CAR DEALERSHIP

Langley police marked the end of a successful partnership with a local
car dealer Tuesday.

Langley RCMP said thank you this week to the Applewood Kia car
dealership for four years of free loans of mini-vans.

The two vans, covered with DARE decals, were returned to the
dealership, along with a plaque and a certificate from the Mounties.

"This is an opportunity to recognize the good will and the support
they have shown us," said Sgt. Richard Konarski.

Four years ago, the RCMP began asking local businesses for help with
community policing initiatives, and Darren Graham, the dealership's
president, jumped on board.

Every year the dealership has supplied new vehicles for the school
resource officers to use, Konarski said.

The program is ending because the detachment has decided to get tough
on student drug and alcohol abuse.

Starting earlier this year, more officers in marked cars have been
busting kids for smoking marijuana on school grounds or drinking in
public parks.

As part of the policy, school resource officers will be using marked
cruisers in the future instead of the mini-vans.

Konarski expressed regret that the program had to end, and Graham said
he hoped he could do something with the RCMP in the future.

"It's been good karma, too," Graham joked as the cars were handed
back. "I haven't had any speeding tickets since I did this."