RBPD, FCSD partner to keep DARE in schools

By Staff
Melissa Cason
RED BAY – The Red Bay Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriff's Department announced a partnership to continue the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program in Franklin County through the current school year.
Sheriff Larry Plott, Red Bay Mayor Bobby Forsythe, Police Chief Janna Jackson and DARE Officer Mike Franklin made the announcement Friday afternoon after the program received several inquires about the future of DARE since Franklin was leaving the sheriff's department to take a position at Red Bay.
"Both agencies will be sponsoring this program," Plott said in a statement. "The program will continue through this school year in all the county schools."
Plott said no permanent decisions regarding the program have been made, but he hopes to continue the partnership with Franklin as the DARE officer.
"We are going to see how this goes, and hopefully, we'll continue to work together," Plott said.
Forsythe said the city wanted Franklin to be able fulfill his obligation to the students and parents of Franklin County by continuing the DARE program through the current school year.
"We wanted him to be able to fulfill his obligation to the children of Franklin County, not just in Red Bay," Forsythe said.
Forsythe said the city feels like the program is a worthwhile program to educate children about the dangers of drugs.
Plott said Franklin will be deeply missed in the sheriff's department, but he is happy the program will continue.
"Everyone can say they care about the young people in our county, but I hope this partnership will show these two agencies deeply care about our youth," Plott said.
DARE has been a long-time program in all Franklin County schools, and has been funded through the sheriff's department and donations.