Elementary students at Isabella High School pet Max, a dog in training to join the K-9 unit at the Clanton Police Department.(Photo by Steven Calhoun)

By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

The Clanton Police Department and Chilton County Sheriff’s Office joined together to put on an assembly for Isabella’s elementary students.

Kindergarten through third grade attended the assembly in the school’s auditorium on Tuesday afternoon. Tuesday was a day for students to honor law enforcement as part of Isabella’s Red Ribbon Week.

Sheriff John Shearon spoke to the students about bullying and the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. He encouraged students to be whatever they want to be when they grow up, and told them they can do so as long as they stay away from drugs.

David Clackley of the CPD speaks with children about his canine companion, Max.

Then, the students were given the opportunity to ask questions. Instead of asking questions, many students emphatically repeated facts from the lesson Shearon gave, such as “Never get close to drugs” and “Don’t drink alcohol.” It was clear that they had paid attention and joined the stand against drugs.

After the lesson, students petted the dogs from the K-9 Unit of the CPD. The dogs sat calmly while the excited students petted and hugged them.

The CPD also brought display boxes full of drug paraphernalia to show students. Students got in line and each got to go by and look through the glass to see paraphernalia.

Students examine items associated with drug use.

The goal was to educate students so they can report seeing those things to teachers and authorities. Officers instructed students to say something if they ever see anything from those boxes.

Teachers and officers hope that educating students at a young age will steer them in the right direction and give them a way to identify and avoid drugs.

“Hopefully it’ll put them on the right path,” said Shearon. “If we save one or two of them, it’s worth coming out here.”