SOMPHON ‘SAM’ PENLAND
Parkland College Police

Parkland police Officer Sam Penland shows her reward — ‘Tamarind flavor Jarrito’ — after completing 2 miles of the virtual Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of the Special Olympics.
“It’s funny in a lot of ways, but even at that young age, I wanted to be Axel Foley. He was a person of color in a setting very unfamiliar to him. Clearly different from the officers at the Beverly Hills Police Department, they tried to make it apparent that he didn’t fit in.
“I remember appreciating his janky car and his unconventional policing methods. His approach sometimes got him into a lot of trouble, but damn, he was good. He was the underdog. His success, and later his acceptance, meant so much more to me, even though I was still a young grade-schooler when I watched it.
“My mother was loving, intelligent and hard-working, but extremely strict. She was constantly hustling to be successful as a single mom with two daughters. But for me, those years were full of varying forms of abuse with different offenders.
“I grew up in Champaign and attended Kenwood Elementary School. Because I experienced a heavy amount of trauma, school was a daily escape for me.
“In fifth grade, I met Officer Randal Taylor, the Champaign Police Department’s D.A.R.E. officer at our school. He truly made a positive impact on me.
“At a time in my life where very few adult men could be trusted, I had a safe mentor who was inspirational. I looked forward to his visits, his lessons and his words of encouragement.
“I learned the benefits of creating healthy habits, taking care of myself and saying no to drugs. I learned how to handle peer pressure and conflict in a positive way. I was a successful D.A.R.E. kid, and it was because I didn’t want to let Officer Taylor down.
“That, and I didn’t want my Mom to kill me. I wanted to keep him proud of me. Most people don’t believe it, but I kept my promise to stay drug-free.
This particular part of my answer prompted me to see whatever happened to Officer Taylor; that fifth-grade year, he said he was going to move away, but I never knew where. So less than two days ago, I found out he is now chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department — still inspirational — and it’s my turn to be incredibly proud of him for the work he is doing and how he is leading others. Well done, Chief Taylor; keep up the amazing work.
“As challenging as those life experiences were — like the home invasion that happened when I was in eighth grade — I see them all as blessings. I’m able to use my own experiences and share with others, to show them that they, too, can overcome their obstacles.
“It’s like forging a sword. There are four main components to creating something so effective. You want a sword that is strong and hardened but flexible and balanced. It’s quite complex but relatable when you think of what makes a well-rounded officer.
“It’s not easy yielding a powerful sword. We all have work to do — sometimes you go back in the fire and take another hammering before something magnificent emerges.”
D.A.R.E. Instructors Educate Students on Drug Use
With April 14, 2023 proclaimed D.A.R.E. Day by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. D.A.R.E. instructors across the state have been teaching evidence based curriculum to students to help them resist drugs, make good choices and to be safe and responsible. D.A.R.E. is taught in...
D.A.R.E. Turns 40 and Continues to Teach Valuable Life Lessons
Pontotoc County D.A.R.E. Officer Shermila McKinney recently took time to reflect on the history of the program and celebrate D.A.R.E.'s 40th Anniversary. "The D.A.R.E. curriculum has been a pertinent initiative within the county schools, based on strong efforts and...
Winooski Police Department Celebrates D.A.R.E.’s 40th Anniversary
Today, we join D.A.R.E. America International in celebration of its 40th anniversary. Our School Resource Officer, Jason Ziter, has been teaching this program at the Winooski School District since 2018, covering many topics from drug abuse prevention to stress…
Munster Marks 35 Years of D.A.R.E. Program in Schools
James Ghrist still remembers his first D.A.R.E. class as a fifth-grader at Elliott Elementary. “It had a big impact on my career choice,” said Officer Ghrist, a D.A.R.E. officer for 19 of his 22 years on the force. “I believe the information is helpful,” Ghrist said….
Letter of Appreciation from El Sol Science & Arts Academy
I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the DARE program at El Sol Science and Arts Academy. The program was initiated in October 2022 with participation from 3rd and 8th grade students and taught exclusively by SSG Fernando Lopeziniguez. I am delighted to…
Avondale-Logandale Elementary D.A.R.E. Graduation 2023
Here are some pictures of the D.A.R.E. Graduation from last month at [Avondale-]Logandale Elementary. Officer Barajas and I graduated about 100 kids from their 4th and 5th grades . We had the Director of Community Policing as well as the Commander of the 014th...
Illinois D.A.R.E. Officer Training 2023 Class Picture
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Mentor Officer Training 2023
The D.A.R.E. America Training Team along with the support and assistance of Virginia D.A.R.E., York County (VA) D.A.R.E. Program, and the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services & MD D.A.R.E. Unit...
Copley’s Sarah Shendy Wins International Police Award
Shendy, 37, will receive the award during the IACF Conference in Dallas Monday. The award honors 40 law enforcement officials under 40 from around the world who “demonstrate leadership, exemplify commitment to their profession, and have a positive impact on their…
Copyright © 2022 D.A.R.E. America. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2022 D.A.R.E. America.
All Rights Reserved.