|
By WDBO Staff
July 21, 2009
By Lauren Park
Deputy Pat Scales with the Orange County Sheriff's Office
speaks with 11-year-old Bailey Viator.
The life of a child staying in a pediatric hospital is not always fun, but on July 21, patients at Florida Hospital for Children enjoyed a special treat: a visit from Orange County Sheriff's deputies.
The deputies were participating in a presentation for the international Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, which encourages youth to abstain from drug use and violent behavior.
Deputies took turns visiting patients' rooms, explaining to them the importance of drug-free living. They also gave each child a small plush lion called "Daren," the D.A.R.E. mascot.
Kris Carter, a patient at the hospital, said he enjoyed learning about D.A.R.E.
"I learned that there, like, is a program to help you make sure that you don't do drugs when you're older and smoke," Kris, 11, said.
Kris said he plans to use what he learned in the future.
"I plan to, like, help save people from... getting hurt from drugs and smoking," Kris said.
Deputy Stephen Dix said educating children at a young age about the dangers of violence and drug use is important.
"I think the impact starts here, because kids are like sponges..." said Stephen Dix. "You kind of give them something to weigh their options."
The sheriff's deputies seemed to enjoy the presentation as much as the children.
"It meant a great deal," Deputy Lina Strube said of her interaction with the patients. "Just to know that we're making an impact on the kids here is awesome."
Deputy Peter Remy said visiting the children was a gift.
"I look at this as a blessing," said Remy. "It's not every day that an officer gets a chance to really spend time and interact with young people. Unfortunately, we deal with the wrong side of the law, but I mean... today, it's a blessing, and I'm enjoying it."
And the reaction he saw from the children?
"Lots of smiles," he said.
|
