Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

D.A.R.E. vehicle is the stuff of legends

The SUV was seized from a drug dealer and changed into a symbol of drug awareness.

By JONATHAN ABEL
Published July 29, 2006

BROOKSVILLE - Brooksville's D.A.R.E. sport utility vehicle- a glitzy automobile, painted with law enforcement scenes and insignia - is a legend in the making.

It won its first trophy this week, taking first place in the truck, van and SUV category, at a national Drug Abuse Resistance Education conference in Orlando.

"There was a lot of competition as far as law enforcement agencies competing against each other," said Chief Ed Tincher. "We got more votes than all the other categories combined."

The SUV is a source of pride at the department.

It was seized from drug dealer Daymond E. Taylor Jr., with $30,000 in stereo equipment already installed.

The Police Department repainted it with a lavender background and various police scenes in the foreground. On the side of the vehicle, there are pictures of a syringe, a Bayflite helicopter and an assortment of cops.

The interior was reupholstered with gray leather. Small television screens are implanted in the back of the driver's and passenger's seats.

The SUV is taken to schools and other community events to attract children - to draw them to law enforcement and away from crime.

Out in the motor pool Friday afternoon, dispatcher Michael Pizzino cranked up the sound system. The vehicle started to shake.

He was the one who installed the red, white and blue lights that ring the vehicle, and he was all smiles about the trophy.

"A lot of guys, they trailer their cars in for the competition," he said. "But you can see that this is an everyday drive car."

Jonathan Abel can be reached at jabel@sptimes.com or (352) 754-6114.

[Last modified July 28, 2006, 22:44:59]