TATRO COMPLETES FIFTH YEAR WITH DARE PROGRAM

Officer Kerstan Tatro of the Gulf Breeze Police Department finished up his
fifth year conducting the D.A.R.E program at Pensacola Beach Elementary School.

Thirty-six children in two fifth grade classes are involved with the
program there. D.A.R.E, (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), was created to
teach kindergarten through 12th grade students worldwide how to deal with
situations involving drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, vandalism, etc. in more
detailed ways rather than to "just say no."

Tatro volunteered to visit the classes once a week in order to conduct the
program as they were not receiving a D.A.R.E. curriculum for Escambia County.

According to Margie Pitts, one of the teachers whose class took part in the
program this past school year, the students admired Tatro's "cool car" and
were very excited to see him, even if it was while they passed him on the
road as he pulled someone over.

"He's the highlight of their year," Pitts added.

Pitts has been involved with D.A.R.E. for four years and will continue next
year. She said that the program is very helpful for students' transition
into middle school.

About Officer Tatro's participation, she said, "I think it's wonderful...he
talks a lot about the middle school and high school environments which
helps them [the students] build up their confidence and eagerness for the
sixth grade. We definitely consider him a big part of the Pensacola Beach
Elementary family."

Chief Peter Paulding of the Gulf Breeze Police Department said, "students
(on Pensacola Beach) come to us anyway so it makes sense for us to run the
program." Tatro agreed with Chief Paulding that it makes sense for the
beach students to be taught by a Gulf Breeze police officer.

Tatro said, "They're eventually going to be our kids at Gulf Breeze Middle
School and High School so it helps them to meet and know us and know that
they can come to us for anything."

The classes involved in the program were Pitts' fifth grade class and Tina
Reichert's fifth grade class.

"We really appreciate the City of Gulf Breeze allowing Officer Tatro to
come out to the beach," PBES Principal Jeff Castleberry said. "It [the
D.A.R.E. program] eases the transition for our kids from a more isolated
town like Pensacola Beach to Gulf Breeze."

The two classes graduated from the D.A.R.E. program in May of this year and
are ready for middle school. About the D.A.R.E. program, officer Tatro
said, "Parents, teachers, and I won't be there to help the kids or tell
them what to do...the program teaches them to make decisions for themselves."

Officer Tatro is also the resource officer for and D.A.R.E. program
director at Gulf Breeze Elementary School.