Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Next time a shiny green sports car catches up to you as you speed down U.S. 30, slow down and don't try to race. It might be a sheriff's deputy.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department has a new squad car, a 1995 Chevy Camaro, outfitted especially for the sheriff's department and given to the DARE officer for the county.
In a joint effort with the Car Company of Warsaw and Goshen, the sheriff's department recently put the car into commission.
DARE officer Tim Sammons traded in his brown and tan squad for the fully marked but fully sporty Camaro.
Mike DeWitt of the Car Company said the sports car was a way for the dealership to give something back to the community and sheriff.
"The sheriff's department has always kept an eye out for us," DeWitt said. "It's nice to give something back."
DARE was chosen to receive the car because DeWitt knows children who have appreciated and enjoyed the DARE training.
Plus, the kids (and adults) seem to be attracted to the sportiness of the vehicle, he said.
Sammons agreed.
"With the regular car, sometimes kids are leery to approach it," Sammons said. "This (car) is unusual and it gives them the opportunity to approach it."
Sheriff Al Rovenstine said the car will be used by Sammons to visit the schools he teaches in weekly during the school year. During the summer months, the Camaro will be used in road patrol, including speed patrol.
The Corvette engine in the car allows it to reach top speeds with ease. And its fully decalled body, 18 strobe lights, radio and radar equipment allow Sammons to do all his duties.
Sammons said the radio and sound system were provided by Sounds of Southwest Florida. The decals and installation work were donated by MAVRON.
The car has only 31,000 miles on it and DeWitt said it was in "excellent shape." From the admiring looks of passersby, the car will be a success with DARE kids and the community.
"This Camaro represents hard work and dedication from the Car Company and the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office to the youth of Kosciusko County," Sammons said.
"It is an excellent representation of the uniqueness of the DARE program," he said, "and it will better help the DARE students identify with their DARE officer."
Sammons summed up the DARE message when he said, "Young people need to realize they don't have to quit school and peddle drugs to have money, material things and a nice vehicle. With hard work and an education, all your goals can be obtained."
