Police department hot dog supper raised money for the Dare program

On Halloween night, little ghosts, ghouls, and their families made an extra stop while trick-or-treating at the Clarion Aquatic Center concession stand for a hot dog supper provided by the Clarion Police Department. Police Chief Steve TerHark said it was a fun way to be involved in the community, but the freewill donation supper had another benefit: the funds raised, close to $650, will go toward this year’s DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program for fifth graders.

For the past 20 years, Chief TerHark has taught the DARE course, a 10-week program which the DARE website says educates kids about “drugs, violence, bullying, internet safety, and other high risk circumstances.” At the end of the program, the police department hosts a graduation party for the kids.

TerHark likes having a positive police presence in the schools and enjoys working with the students. “I can’t walk through the school now without them saying ‘Hey, Steve!’” he said. “It even carries on to high school.”

For the full story, see the November 3 edition of the Monitor.