Early intervention matters. It's a theme that has empowered programs like DARE in Carson City schools and is a benchmark for programs run through the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada.
On Wednesday, 400 children of all ages got to meet those adults in the field who maintain public safety. The Spring Safety Fair, a partnership through the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada, was a success on all levels.
Officers were on hand with their patrol vehicles and motorcycles to engage the youth and to assure them that uniformed officers are their for them at anytime and under any circumstance in matters of outreach and public safety. Among the sheriff's office staff on hand were emergency dispatchers, patrol officers, school and DARE officers, as well as K9 dogs.
Reaching children ahead of the so-called "trying years" can make the difference between a child climbing to the top one step at a time, or turning to the dark side, vulnerable to drug use, committing acts of violence and vandalism.
For years, the Carson City Sheriff's Office has been proactive, staffing officers through DARE and at local schools, said Lisa Davis, Carson City's DARE officer. Personal contact has been key, especially for those children whose parents have had previous entanglements with the law.
"It's these kinds of events that gives us an opportunity to start early with forming positive relationships with the kids," said Lt. Jeff Melvin of the Carson City Sheriff's Office.
The event had terrific participation and was a success for all involved, said Sharon Daniels, chief of career development for the Sheriff's Office, who helped coordinate the fair with Boys and Girls Club staff and DARE officer Davis.
"The kids have been wonderful," she said.
Boys and Girls Club Teen Director Bridget Gordon noted the enthusiasm among more than 400 children who participated Wednesday. She said the fair was a positive way for children to interact with law officers, who also serve as role models in the community.
Recently the children raised $1,300 to equip Carson City's K9 Rex with a bullet proof vest. The children collected the money by selling hot chocolate at the Arlington Square Ice Rink in Carson City and at the Boys and Girls Club facility on Russell Way.
This week the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada has joined other clubs nationwide to celebrate National Boys and Girls Club Week (April 8-12). For more than 75 years, Boys and Girls Clubs have celebrated this week in a variety of ways to support the organization’s overarching goal of helping all children achieve a great future.
Throughout the week, members of the Club have participated in events themed for the five core program areas of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America: Health and Life Skills, Education and Career, the Arts, Sports and Recreation, and Character and Leadership.
The outreach continues in May, with DARE and the Carson City Sheriff's Office hosting the annual Kids and Cops fair and in August with the National Night Out gathering at Mills Park.