HENRY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Susan Burton
Communications Director
Puryear, TN – SRO/D.A.R.E. Officer Bruce Alexander spoke to a group of Harrelson Elementary School fifth graders today, delivering a critical lesson on the dangers of vaping and other drugs. The presentation is part of the long-standing D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program, which aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make safe and healthy choices.
Officer Alexander emphasized the serious health risks associated with vaping, detailing the dangerous chemicals present in vapes. He highlighted the presence of substances like Acetone, a chemical commonly used as fingernail polish remover, to illustrate the harmful nature of these products. Alexander encouraged the students to be strong and make smart decisions that will lead to a safe and healthy lifestyle.
"We want our students to understand that the choices they make today have a huge impact on their future," said Officer Alexander. "The goal of D.A.R.E. is to not only inform them about the dangers but also to build relationships and give them the confidence to stand up for their health and well-being."
The D.A.R.E. program has been active for over 40 years, operating under the motto “DARE to keep kids off drugs.” It provides law enforcement officer-led lessons in classrooms that address the critical risks young people face today, including drugs and opioids, teen suicide, social media safety, and vaping. Another key focus of the program is to foster trust and build positive relationships between law enforcement officers and students.