Newark's D.A.R.E officer honored

Last night's Newark Village Board meeting opened with Police Chief Richard Bogan presenting the Officer of the Year badge to Inv. Gary VerStraete (pictured left).

A week ago, VerStraete watched 229 of his students become D.A.R.E. graduates. At that time, the Chief recognized VerStraete as Exceptional Service Officer of the Year for dedicated service to the community as administrator of the Newark Police Department Youth Bureau, as a dedicated police officer, member of the community, husband, father and volunteer.

Said Bogan, 'The children of our community are our future and hope, those who you help to guide and mold. The presentation is being made at D.A.R.E. graduation so they can be a part of your award.'

Speakers at the graduation were Sgt. Tony Virts of the Sheriff's Office, B.P.O.E. Exalted Ruler Leon Duntley, District Attorney Richard Healy, School Superintendent Bob Christmann and Chief Bogan.

The Newark Elks have been sponsoring the DARE program since its inception. DARE stresses the linking of good decision making behavior with the dangers of drugs.

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