Hugh Mercer Elementary School

Fredericksburg Police Department Launches D.A.R.E. Program in City Public Schools

Fredericksburg, Va. — The Fredericksburg Police Department (FPD) will officially launch the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program at Hugh Mercer Elementary School and Lafayette Elementary School. When School Resource Officer Steven Epple proposed implementing a D.A.R.E. program in Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS), Chief Brian Layton was eager to endorse it.

"D.A.R.E. is an incredible resource for educating children about drug and alcohol abuse as well as resisting peer pressure, all of which are vital for their future success. Through this initiative, our officers will build meaningful relationships with our students, all while inspiring future generations", said Chief Brian Layton.

This program has been in development since the spring of 2024, and following the approval of a federally funded grant, we are thrilled to begin its implementation.

D.A.R.E. is designed to equip students with essential life skills beyond drug awareness. It emphasizes a comprehensive approach to helping children develop the ability to resist peer pressure, an influential factor in decision-making during their formative years. By participating in the program, students will not only learn about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse but also explore strategies for making informed choices, enhancing their self-confidence, and building resilience. The skills and knowledge gained through the D.A.R.E. program are intended to empower students and have a lasting impact on their lives.

To ensure the success of this initiative, the FPD has formed a partnership with the Fredericksburg Sheriff's Office (FSO) and FCPS. Together, we are committed to creating the most effective D.A.R.E. program possible.

Sheriff Scott Foster shared, "Having served six years on the Colonial Beach School Board, I know firsthand how impactful a positive relationship between youth and law enforcement can be. I am elated at the opportunity to improve the social interaction between City of Fredericksburg police officers, students, and school personnel by implementing the D.A.R.E. program."

FCPS Superintendent Dr. Marci Catlett said, “We welcome the return of D.A.R.E to our schools because keeping our children safe and empowering them to make wise choices is a mission we all share.”

The D.A.R.E. program will begin in the second semester of 2025. Lafayette's program starts on January 10, and Hugh Mercer's begins on January 14. Two dedicated D.A.R.E. Officers will lead the initiative: Officer Epple, stationed at Lafayette Elementary School, and Deputy Trevor Rogers, assigned to Hugh Mercer Elementary School. Both officers have undergone an intensive two-week training course to become certified D.A.R.E. Officers, equipping them with the tools to engage and educate students effectively.

To learn more about D.A.R.E., please visit https://dare.org/.