Local police officer brings revamped DARE program to Pine Bluffs

Pine Bluffs Police Officer Rodney Kemp completed the new DARE certification course on Aug. 7, which he says focuses more on instilling responsible decision making as students get older.

"Our intent is to provide this to the schools when they are able to fit it in depending on COVID-19," said Police Chief Chance Walkama. The new program designates a 10 hour block to elementary and middle schools and a four hour block to high schools with an emphasis on the DARE decision making model, define, assess, respond, and evaluate.

Most recently, part time officer Kurt Wilson has been the only DARE certi...