Published on March 27, 2019
On March 29, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD), Fry's Food Stores, Chick-fil-A, Oro Valley Optimist Club and the Kyle Franks Foundation will host the 11th annual Drug Awareness Day. The event, which is for all fifth-graders in Oro Valley and its surrounding areas, will be held at Cañada Del Oro Riverfront Park, 551 West Lambert Lane. Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield will deliver a welcome and guest speakers include Nate McKowen and Anthony Coulson of NTH Consulting. Students wrote an essay on the topic, "I choose to dream drug free". OVPD Chief Daniel G. Sharp will announce winners of these essays and hand out prizes.
These students will be entering middle school next year, which is the time when most drug use or drug experimentation begins. This day in the park is designed to raise awareness of drug abuse while teaching students and parents about drug prevention. Approximately 900 5th graders will attend this year.
Static displays of motors, SWAT/EOD, Southern Arizona Search and Rescue, Customs and Border Patrol, K-9's, an American Eurocopter AS350 and a Blackhawk helicopter will all be on site for kids to explore. Participating agencies include: OVPD, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pima County Sheriff's Department, Tucson Police Department, Marana Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Elks Lodge #2663 and Golder Ranch Fire District.