On behalf of the Old Town Police Department and the Old Town DARE program, I would like to thank all the peole who donated to the DARE program in memory of Robert Simon. The program received a much-needed boost of financial support from the generous donations of friends and loved ones.

As you probably know, all of the mateirals used in the DARE program (notebooks, pencils, rulers, T-shirts) are purchased through money received as donations. The money that was received on Robert’s behalf will go a long way in continuing this vital program. Robert had recently told his parents that he wished he could do something to help inform young people of the dangers of drug use. I personally cannot think of a more fitting tribute to that wish.

I would like to offer my heartfelt sympathy to Robert’s family and friends. The loss of a loved one is never easy and the only way to survive such a tragic loss is through the support of your friends and loved ones. I hope the family and friends of Robert Simon will take heart in the fact that many of our local children may be saved from the dangers of drug abuse through DARE, thanks to the donations we received. Kyle Smart DARE officer Old Town Police Department