News

Spearfish cop named D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year

By Jan Kaus
Lawrence County Journal

SPEARFISH – Students here liked their D.A.R.E. officer so much they supported her for the honor of receiving the Ron Tennill D.A.R.E. Officer the Year Award.

“Officer Candi Watts is the best D.A.R.E. officer ever,” student Maddie Drumm wrote in an essay. “She really helps you make good decisions.”

Drug Abuse Resistance Education is a program used in schools across the nation to teach children how to avoid drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Students also learn about peer pressure and self-esteem and how to make smart and healthy choices.

Watts has taught D.A.R.E. for three years in Spearfish, and also serves as the district’s school resource officer.

She accepted the award at the annual D.A.R.E. officers training conference in Pierre.

She is the first officer from Spearfish to earn the distinction.

The award is given to one West River officer and one East River officer each year. It initiated in 1993 after the death of Deputy Tennill after a 4-year battle with cancer.

Tennill served Redfield and Spink County as a law enforcement officer for more than 42 years, dedicating much of his time to young people.

Other comments from students Watts has instructed include: “Candi has made a big difference in my thinking of D.A.R.E,” and “She has shown that she cares about us.”

One former D.A.R.E. student said: “Candi Watts has changed many lives. She has changed mine.”

For Watts, it’s those relationships with students that make it so worthwhile.

“D.A.R.E. is a really positive spin on the job,” she said. “And I think the most important aspect is having an officer in the classroom. It humanizes you.”

She said just being in the schools opens doors for building relationships with teachers and staff as well.

Watts was one of four D.A.R.E. officers in the Spearfish schools last year, and will be one of three this year, with Steve Hofmann and Katie Allart.

Watts serves as president-elect of the South Dakota D.A.R.E. Officers Association.

She started with the Spearfish Police Department in 2004 after having worked eight years as a Pennington County deputy.

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