CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson on Friday announced the official return of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program — known as DARE — during a kickoff event at Park View Elementary School.
“The DARE program teaches students to make good decisions … and skills to help them live safer, responsible lives,” Watson said in an address in the school’s gymnasium.
“Today is proof that the citizens of Bradley County are tired of drugs in our community,” he said. “And this is another example that this community will stand up against the drug dealers and their illegal activities.”
School officials applauded the return of the program, which was abolished a few years ago under then-Sheriff Jim Ruth.
“It’s a great program and I’m glad to have it back in school,” said Deb Bailey, principal of Park View.