CONFISCATED DRUG DEALER'S CAR PROMOTES D.A.R.E PROGRAM

ORMOND BEACH -- A glitzy paint job and community contributions helped
transform a drug dealer's car into a teaching tool.

The makeover outfitted a 2005 Nissan Altima -- confiscated last year
during a police drug bust -- with lights, sirens, police radio and all
the needs of Drug Abuse Resistance Education officers.

The car, now in use by Crime Prevention officers Lloyd Cornelius and
Gregory Stokes, will help keep students' attention during programs
that teach school children to avoid drugs, gangs and violence.

"Greg and I do tons of events with kids, and it shows off what we do,"
Cornelius said. "It attracts kids."

When the flashing lights attracted Patrick and Kris Daugherty of
Ormond Beach and their dog, Mr. Bojangles, in a shopping center
parking lot recently, Cornelius explained how the car came about.

"After court proceedings (convicting a drug dealer), we got with
attorneys to get the papers done," Cornelius said. "Then we went out
begging for donations from local merchants and sponsors to outfit the
car."

Among the donors was Discount Tires on Williamson Boulevard, said
manager Justin Newby.

"We provided tires and installed the wheels (donated by Konig
Wheels)," Newby said. "We have been in business a long time, and one
guy, Bruce Halle, owns all 777 stores. He's the most charitable guy I
know. We always want to help the communities we are in."

Newby remembered the D.A.R.E program had value when he was growing
up.

"When I was a kid, the D.A.R.E. program was instrumental in keeping
kids straight," Newby said. "It's needed even more now. The kids are
our future."

Daugherty said it was nice to see the car put to good
use.

"I think it's a fantastic idea," he said. "What better use of
confiscated materials can you have."