Brian Lamica wants to see children make the right decisions in friendships.
During a meeting with members of Just Say No after school on Wednesday, Lamica emphasized this along with other values.
“Choosing good friendships makes a world of difference,” he said.
Just Say No coordinators at Barringer Road Elementary School said they wanted Lamica to address the fifth-graders because of his experience as a DARE officer. The group educates students about the importance of saying “no” when faced with peer pressure. They work on projects - such as school posters - promoting their values and also hear from guest speakers.
Lamica had 17 years of experience as a police officer - during which he worked in juvenile law. Lamica said he was one of the first DARE officers in Herkimer County and used to run the program at the school. The Just Say No group used to work in conjunction with DARE but the program had to shut-down due to a lack of funding.
Lamica said he was glad to be asked to talk to the students.
“I still believe in giving back to the community. Just because I’m a retired police officer doesn’t mean I’m retired from police work,” he said.
Lamica talked to the students about friendships, respect and making a difference. He asked the students about their own friendship experiences, such as when they have been angry with a friend and how long it took for them to let the argument pass. He also encouraged the students to set an example by behaving well.
“Just because you are a small group, don’t think you can’t make a huge difference at the school,” he said.
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Brian Lamica wants to see children make the right decisions in friendships.
During a meeting with members of Just Say No after school on Wednesday, Lamica emphasized this along with other values.
“Choosing good friendships makes a world of difference,” he said.
Just Say No coordinators at Barringer Road Elementary School said they wanted Lamica to address the fifth-graders because of his experience as a DARE officer. The group educates students about the importance of saying “no” when faced with peer pressure. They work on projects - such as school posters - promoting their values and also hear from guest speakers.
Lamica had 17 years of experience as a police officer - during which he worked in juvenile law. Lamica said he was one of the first DARE officers in Herkimer County and used to run the program at the school. The Just Say No group used to work in conjunction with DARE but the program had to shut-down due to a lack of funding.
Lamica said he was glad to be asked to talk to the students.
“I still believe in giving back to the community. Just because I’m a retired police officer doesn’t mean I’m retired from police work,” he said.
Lamica talked to the students about friendships, respect and making a difference. He asked the students about their own friendship experiences, such as when they have been angry with a friend and how long it took for them to let the argument pass. He also encouraged the students to set an example by behaving well.
“Just because you are a small group, don’t think you can’t make a huge difference at the school,” he said.
