Lakehurst D.A.R.E. Graduates Visited by World Series Champion

Lakehurst Elementary School fifth graders completed their D.A.R.E. training last week and were treated to a special appearance by a World Series winner.

Dickie Noles, who was a relief pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies during their 1980 championship run and now works as a drug and alcohol counselor, spoke to students graduating from Officer Matthew Kline's program. 

Noles became involved with the drug and alcohol awareness program in 1984 and shared his experiences educating athletes and students about the dangers of substance abuse.

"I've always been committed to it," he said. "I know what it's like and I know what it takes to teach people about success."

Noles pointed out to students that a single poor decision can have far-reaching consequences.

"You can build a lifetime of something and ruin it with one choice, and that's what drugs and alcohol can do," he said.

Kline, who serves as the borough's juvenile officer and has been teaching D.A.R.E. for three years, said that his experience as a student with the program shaped his life.

"I still remember my D.A.R.E. officer growing up," he said. "I'll probably remember him for the rest of my life. He definitely put a dent in my life about drugs and alcohol and I hope I can do the same with these kids. I hope they'll remember me."

Kline said that he and the borough's other officers are always available should children need  help, even now that the nine-week course has been completed.

"If they have any questions, we let them know that the police department is here for them and we can help them out with whatever they need," he said.

Since police can sometimes be viewed as intimidating figures by children, the program also serves as a means for youngsters to realize that officers are there to help.

"I think D.A.R.E. is a great way to bond with the kids," he said. "We might go to their houses for calls and they might see us, sometimes, as a negative thing. But when it comes to D.A.R.E., it's a positive aspect and we try to tell them that it's a positive thing. Our main goal is to educate kids on drugs and alcohol and that the police are here for them."

As for the what Kline hopes students will take away from the program: "Hopefully, they'll never touch drugs and alcohol. If they do touch alcohol when they're 21, they'll be responsible," he said. "That's a big thing that I encourage. Don't get behind the wheel of a car and don't drive with anyone who has been drinking."

Kline's dedication to children has been recognized throughout the Lakehurst Police Department, according to Sgt. Ronald Heinzman.

"Matt works very hard on [D.A.R.E.] every year," he said. "The kids really respect him." 

Heinzman said that Officer Iain James has also completed his D.A.R.E. certification and will begin teaching the program to another grade level next year.

Kline said that he believes learning about drug and alcohol abuse from an early age will pay off as students grow and encounter potentially dangerous situations.

"It sticks in your mind, especially a law enforcement officer in uniform teaching kids in fifth grade," he said. "They look up to the police. It sticks in their mind. I know it stuck in mine."

The D.A.R.E. program encourages students to define, assess, respond and evaluate any difficult situations involving drugs, alcohol, peer pressure and bullying, Kline said.