DARE Car Started With A Dream 2 Yrs. Ago
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Jen [email protected]
Friday afternoon that seed yielded its fruit in Warsaw as the DARE program dedicated its 2008 Dodge Charger, complete with custom graphics and wheels and police lights.
In 2007, DARE officers Doug Light and the late Terry Polston attended a national DARE convention in Texas. When they walked in the expo center, they saw a display of DARE cars from all across the United States. Each car sported custom-designed graphics to represent its community and the DARE program.
So when Light and Polston returned from the convention, Light approached then-Police Chief Steve Foster, told him about the cars and asked for permission to look into one for the Warsaw program.
"He cautioned me that with the economic problems it might be difficult," Light said. "But he was supportive."
So Light began his quest.
He put together an informational packet, including photos of some of the cars, and hatched a plan.
The first thing on the agenda? Find a car dealer willing to donate a car.
After talking to a few dealers, Light went to R & B Car Company. He worked with General Manager Chad Laughlin as well as owners Ric Moore and Brandon Cretacci, and eventually Light had a 2008 Dodge Charger to work with.
"Obviously that was the biggest hurdle," Light said. "There are some quality people at R & B Car Company. For them to (help with this project) at a time when a lot of companies are struggling tells you how much they believe in the DARE program."
After that, Light said, things started to fall into place.
Once the donation of the car was secure, Light's next stop was Monteith Tire. He told Darrel Hicks about the project and "he didn't even miss a beat."
Soon the DARE Charger had new tires and was sitting on new rims.
Then it was off to the Midas Auto Shop on US 30. Owner Bob Vernatter donated dual exhaust and chrome pipes, and, as Light said, "gave it a little rumble."
Once the Charger had its rumble, it was off to Ziebart of Warsaw, where owners Tim Shinkle and Brandon Metzger provided detailing inside the vehicle, window tint and the brush guard on the front.
Crouse Body Shop, owned by Roger Crouse and his son Justin, got in on the action next. They added a rear spoiler.
And what's a fancy police car without fancy lights? R & B Emergency Lights of North Webster, owned by Randy Bowman, donated all the police and other lights on the vehicle, and installed all the equipment as well.
But perhaps the most unique part of the vehicle was what was added last: the graphics.
Designed and applied by Robert's Signs, the silver Charger now sports custom-designed graphics featuring Daren, the DARE mascot, as well as a claw design and the DARE logo. The back bumper is adorned with the local "ROAR" slogan, which stands for Respect, Order, Attitude and Responsibility.
The car also has a memorial tribute to Polston, who lost his battle with cancer in December.
"I did not give (Ed Roberts, owner of Robert's Signs), a lot of specific ideas," Light said. "I told him I would like to have Daren the lion on it, but I left the design up to him.
"It truly exceeded anything I could have imagined, he truly outdid himself. The car looks great."
Also included in the graphic design is the new Warsaw Police Department patch.
Light said that one question he gets from many people is, "How were you able to do this?"
Light's response?[[In-content Ad]]"Because we really live in a great community. That really says it all. We are blessed to live in a community where people care and are willing to be sponsors and help with fundraising," he said.
And Light says that while he loves the car, the best part of the project was building the relationships and working with people who are so willing to help the community.
While the car will spend most of its time in the Warsaw community, there is at least one big trip in its future: a trip to Cincinnati for the 2009 national convention.
"I am looking forward to entering the (design) competition (of DARE program cars)," Light said. "I don't know if anything can beat it."
Friday afternoon that seed yielded its fruit in Warsaw as the DARE program dedicated its 2008 Dodge Charger, complete with custom graphics and wheels and police lights.
In 2007, DARE officers Doug Light and the late Terry Polston attended a national DARE convention in Texas. When they walked in the expo center, they saw a display of DARE cars from all across the United States. Each car sported custom-designed graphics to represent its community and the DARE program.
So when Light and Polston returned from the convention, Light approached then-Police Chief Steve Foster, told him about the cars and asked for permission to look into one for the Warsaw program.
"He cautioned me that with the economic problems it might be difficult," Light said. "But he was supportive."
So Light began his quest.
He put together an informational packet, including photos of some of the cars, and hatched a plan.
The first thing on the agenda? Find a car dealer willing to donate a car.
After talking to a few dealers, Light went to R & B Car Company. He worked with General Manager Chad Laughlin as well as owners Ric Moore and Brandon Cretacci, and eventually Light had a 2008 Dodge Charger to work with.
"Obviously that was the biggest hurdle," Light said. "There are some quality people at R & B Car Company. For them to (help with this project) at a time when a lot of companies are struggling tells you how much they believe in the DARE program."
After that, Light said, things started to fall into place.
Once the donation of the car was secure, Light's next stop was Monteith Tire. He told Darrel Hicks about the project and "he didn't even miss a beat."
Soon the DARE Charger had new tires and was sitting on new rims.
Then it was off to the Midas Auto Shop on US 30. Owner Bob Vernatter donated dual exhaust and chrome pipes, and, as Light said, "gave it a little rumble."
Once the Charger had its rumble, it was off to Ziebart of Warsaw, where owners Tim Shinkle and Brandon Metzger provided detailing inside the vehicle, window tint and the brush guard on the front.
Crouse Body Shop, owned by Roger Crouse and his son Justin, got in on the action next. They added a rear spoiler.
And what's a fancy police car without fancy lights? R & B Emergency Lights of North Webster, owned by Randy Bowman, donated all the police and other lights on the vehicle, and installed all the equipment as well.
But perhaps the most unique part of the vehicle was what was added last: the graphics.
Designed and applied by Robert's Signs, the silver Charger now sports custom-designed graphics featuring Daren, the DARE mascot, as well as a claw design and the DARE logo. The back bumper is adorned with the local "ROAR" slogan, which stands for Respect, Order, Attitude and Responsibility.
The car also has a memorial tribute to Polston, who lost his battle with cancer in December.
"I did not give (Ed Roberts, owner of Robert's Signs), a lot of specific ideas," Light said. "I told him I would like to have Daren the lion on it, but I left the design up to him.
"It truly exceeded anything I could have imagined, he truly outdid himself. The car looks great."
Also included in the graphic design is the new Warsaw Police Department patch.
Light said that one question he gets from many people is, "How were you able to do this?"
Light's response?[[In-content Ad]]"Because we really live in a great community. That really says it all. We are blessed to live in a community where people care and are willing to be sponsors and help with fundraising," he said.
And Light says that while he loves the car, the best part of the project was building the relationships and working with people who are so willing to help the community.
While the car will spend most of its time in the Warsaw community, there is at least one big trip in its future: a trip to Cincinnati for the 2009 national convention.
"I am looking forward to entering the (design) competition (of DARE program cars)," Light said. "I don't know if anything can beat it."
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