STATE D.A.R.E OFFICERS GATHER IN THE FALLS

The Star Spangled Banner and a lighted candle marked the beginning of
an intense week of personal stories and training sessions aimed at
keeping Texas kids safe.

Officers who lead the Drug Abuse Resistance Education - or D.A.R.E. -
program across the state remembered D.A.R.E. and other officers who've
lost their lives in the line of duty. They filled the Multi-Purpose
Events Center Tuesday for the start of the 16th annual D.A.R.E.
Officers Conference.

Representatives from Sheppard Air Force Base, the city, the District
Attorney's Office and other agencies attended the opening ceremony.

"You measure a D.A.R.E. program one child at a time," Wichita Falls
Police Chief Ken Coughlin said as he welcomed the officers. He said
he's seen the program make a huge difference as officers "reach out
and touch our kids in a human way."

He said in 22 years, he's never seen anything like the methamphetamine
epidemic that's plaguing the area now.

Mayor Bill Altman said he considers drugs to be the biggest plague
across the country, and said he hoped good things would come as
officers from all areas of Texas "learn from one another, encourage
one another."

That's exactly what they do at this event, Lamb County D.A.R.E.
Officer Michael Armstrong said.

"You might have had a tough year," he said, but seeing friends who had
an outstanding year boosts spirits.

Department of Public Safety officer Joe Clement said the training
opportunities give D.A.R.E. officers a chance to recharge and get
motivated for the next school year.

"It's good to get around the other officers and share," he
said.

Speaker "Retro Bill" - a producer, director, writer and actor -
offered ways to keep programs fresh and to make points click with kids.

He spent $250,000 of his own money, he said, to make his award-winning
"D.A.R.E. Safety Tips" video. He offered 200 copies of the tape to
make sure each officer has a copy to use in the classroom. His video
addresses drugs, bullying and other topics.

Clement is one of the presenters scheduled for today. He said his
message will focus on why kids tend to go down the wrong path.

"What is out there that makes kids do things," he said, "Why do kids
kill?" He'll talk about "youth subculture groups," and what officers
can do to detect and prevent problems.

Officers continue their training in Wichita Falls through Friday. This
is the first time the city has served as the host for this event. The
D.A.R.E. Officers Association made it clear Tuesday - it takes a
special officer to reach these kids.