Monicatti Chrysler Jeep Dares To Help Area Students

Sterling Heights Police Steer Message of D.A.R.E. in the Right Direction

Elementary, Middle and High School Students Benefit From D.A.R.E. Jeep

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Oct. 20 -- Just in time for the start of the school year, Sterling Heights police are getting a big boost with the donation of a new D.A.R.E. Jeep from Monicatti Chrysler Jeep.

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, established in 1983, provides kids the skills needed to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs and violence. Tim Monicatti, president of Monicatti Chrysler Jeep donated a 2006 Black Jeep Commander to the Sterling Heights Police Department, as a vehicle to support the cause and community.

The Sterling Heights Police Department (SHPD) plans to visit more than 30 elementary and junior-high schools to drive home the message of D.A.R.E. using the new D.A.R.E. Jeep.

"It is important to support the community and our schools in such a positive and needed program," said Monicatti. "My family and all our store employees support our community and activities to promote safety."

The Jeep Commander can be seen at area schools during school rallies. "The Jeep is great, has a lot of room and makes our job easier in transporting high school students who speak at elementary schools," said Officer Jeff Milke of the SHPD Community Service Bureau.

The rally not only focuses on drug abuse and resistance education but peer mentoring from high school students. "The high school students talk about the pressures of high school and how the D.A.R.E. program can help dealing with bullying and conflict management," added Milke.

The Sterling Heights Police Department and Monicatti Chrysler Jeep aim to increase the D.A.R.E. message in providing kids with the skills needed to avoid involvement in drugs and violence. "We are off to a great start and the Jeep Commander is a welcomed sign in our neighborhood; parents and teachers enjoy the program, so do we," said Officer Milke.

For more information on Monicatti Chrysler Jeep log onto http://www.monicattichrysler.com/.

Information on D.A.R.E. is available from http://www.dare.com/ .