News

Police officer offers friendship to youth

Cadillac News

MANTON - Spotting the towering police officer in the busy hallway of Manton Middle School, a girl extends her arms and rushes toward him.

"How are you doing?" asks Deputy Jason Nehmer of the Wexford County Sheriff’s Department as the girl who is half his size wraps her arms around his waist.

"My parents just got divorced," she says.

"Oh, I’m sorry to hear that," he says. "You know you can always call me if you want to talk."

The girl nods and peels away from him, disappearing in the bustle of getting to class.

Nehmer just got done teaching a sixth grade DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) class, and he’s on his way to the gym to shoot hoops with the students.

Four years ago, Nehmer started teaching the DARE program to elementary and middle school students throughout Wexford County schools. Today, about 5,200 children have gone through Nehmer’s educational program.

It’s no doubt Nehmer has a passion for these children, and it’s no doubt they think he’s pretty cool, too. As Nehmer walks down the hallway, not only do students give him hugs, but he also gets high-fives and lots of greetings and smiles.

"It’s important to build trust and friendships, so kids can see police officers as positive people who they can interact with," said Nehmer, noting he often eats lunch with students in school cafeterias and plays sports in gym class, which helps him build relationships with students.

Nehmer believes it’s important to always be accessible to children, and gives his phone number and e-mail address to all his students. And the students dial his number.

"I had about 30 calls from the students," he said. "I’ve had calls from kids saying ˜I did this¦’ or ˜I need help talking to my parents.’ I tell them to call the sheriff’s department or page me anytime - I will do everything I can to help them out.

"I want every child to get the information and help they need to be a successful and drug-free person," he continued.

In the classroom, the animated Nehmer guides students through the DARE workbooks. He livens up the lesson by adding personal situations and making the children laugh.

While Nehmer has a comedic side, he’s serious about teaching kids the facts about drugs. And he practices what he preaches.

"I’ve never smoked, I drink probably six beers a year - and I’ve never even had a cup of coffee," he said, noting he prefers Mountain Dew and Cheetos. "I’m an example of someone who has grown up and is living a successful life without abusing any drugs."

Kaitlyn Mitchell, a Manton sixth grade student, is one of the many students who admire Nehmer and enjoy his DARE lesson.

"It’s always fun with Deputy Nehmer," Mitchell said. "I liked learning about alcohol and the bad drugs, and I’m excited to learn about the top five drugs and what to stay away from."

Mitchell’s classmate Jesse Taylor said his favorite part of the DARE lesson is learning about "the health effects and how many poisons there are in the different drugs."

While his goal is for all his students to choose a drug-free life, Nehmer said "even if just one person decided they’re not going to do drugs because of DARE, that’s successful for us."

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