WC Wisconsin News

Tomah Health Community Foundation has donated $2,500 to the Tomah Police Department to support the reintroduction of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program in Tomah Schools. The donation will be used to train two police officers who will teach fifth-grade students about making positive choices and avoiding drug use.

The collaboration between the Tomah Police Department and the Tomah Area School District aims to bring back the D.A.R.E. program, which had been on hold as the department focused on older students with the Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program. "It started with conversations with our school district, with us wanting to introduce the program and them wanting the program," said Tomah Police Chief Eric Pedersen. He expressed gratitude for the foundation's financial support.

The training will cover various aspects of personal development, including self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and communication skills. "The goal is to get students to make good positive choices," Pedersen stated.

Brian Eirschele, president of Tomah Health Community Foundation, emphasized that supporting such initiatives aligns with their mission to enhance community health and wellness. "We thought it was a perfect opportunity...to give a donation on behalf of the young people of our community," he noted.

Pedersen highlighted that early education is crucial for preventing drug use and fostering positive interactions between students and police officers. The training is expected to be completed in time for the program's launch this fall.