SPARE DARE

I was appalled to read that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
wants to drop the local DARE program ("Budget woes could spark DARE
cuts," Aug. 17), citing cost savings and program ineffectiveness as
their reasons.

From its inception the DARE program has not only educated the middle
school children in this country but it is also responsible for
diverting numerous children from drug and alcohol problems. Like any
other program in existence this long (24 years) it has been revised
and updated and is still effective in teaching the youth of today.

My son was a policeman in a small city in South Florida and taught the
DARE program for many years. He always said you cannot put a price tag
on a child who was saved from a life of drugs or alcohol. At his
funeral there were pictures and cards from students in every class he
had ever taught thanking him for the dedication, compassion and
commitment he had given to the DARE program and to them.

PHILIP MAZZARA

Pensacola