BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
After being dormant for years, the DARE program is being revived in the North Adams Schools.
NA Superintendent Kim Hiatt and Decatur Police Chief Kevin Gerber are working together to bring back to life the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program program for the 2025-26 school year.
Officer Zach Hess will serve as the school’s DARE officer.
Gerber said four officers showed interest in the program, with Hess chosen by a school panel.
He will attend a DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) training program this summer.
“Superintendent Kim Hiatt wanted to bring the program back to help address an issue she saw in our community, which was the lack of education at a young age when it comes to substance abuse,” Gerber said. “I concurred with Kim on this issue and offered our department’s support for the program.”
Officer Hess, a Bellmont High School graduate, and his wife, April, reside in Decatur.
He began his law-enforcement career with the Geneva Police Department and was serving as its marshal when hired by the Decatur PD in May of 2023.
He is involved in Trail Life, working with children of various ages on a routine basis.
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