880 Norwalk Students Graduate From Police D.A.R.E. Program

NORWALK, Conn. – A total of 880 Norwalk elementary school students graduated from the police department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education program Wednesday, under the direction of Officer Christopher Holms.

Norwalk Police Off. Christopher Holms Tuesday presents a D.A.R.E. graduation certificate to Marvin Elementary School fifth grader Elizabeth Garcia. Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia, seated left, looks on.
Photo Credit: *Norwalk Police Department*

by Alfred Branch

05/29/2013 1:30 p.m.

The 10-week program teaches students about the dangers of illegal narcotics, with the goal of developing “responsible citizens who lead successful, drug free lives.”

Holms, who also runs the department’s Police Explorers program for high school students, teaches D.A.R.E. at all but two of the city’s elementary schools; Officer Gabriel DeMott handles the duty at Jefferson and Rowayton schools.

Tuesday’s graduation was held in the Norwalk Concert Hall in City Hall, where Holms’ wife Christina, an opera singer, also sang the national anthem.

“The dedication and caring that goes into this is phenomenal,” said Lt. Praveen John. “Officer Holms treats these students like they are his extended family. He’s an incredible officer.”

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