Case Honors Teachers, Students of Winchester Police D.A.R.E. Program

WINCHESTER – On Friday afternoon two members of the Winchester Police Department were recognized for their long-term leadership of the D.A.R.E. program during its graduation ceremony. The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is taught by Winchester’s Officer Daniel Pietrafesa and Sergeant Bob Varasconi. The officers were presented with a legislative citation from State Rep. Jay Case (R-Winsted) in recognition of their contributions to the program.

“The D.A.R.E program makes a positive impact on our community and is another tool to minimize illegal drug use. I want to congratulate all our local students who graduated from the program and to our officers who taught this year’s class, and beyond. We are also fortunate to have the benefit of a local sponsor that provides critical funding for the program. I’d like to thank the Auxiliary for Community Health for their continued support,” said Case.

The Winchester Police Department presented the Auxiliary for Community Heath with its own certificate of appreciation. The Auxiliary runs a local thrift shop. Proceeds from items sold at the shop are distributed to community-based programs that help its citizenry. The D.A.R.E program is one of the marquee successes of the Auxiliary’s partnership with the Winchester community.

“This program is a great resource for kids to learn from before the summer break. I am confident that with the support of the Auxiliary and the Winchester Police Department that our students will continue to benefit from D.A.R.E for years to come,” concluded Case.

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