Three Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies have graduated from the 49th D.A.R.E. Officer Training School at the Louisiana D.A.R.E. Training Center in Livingston Parish.

Deputies Gavin Muller, Marcus Clark, and Megan Rasmussen, successfully completed the training and are now certified to teach the D.A.R.E. curriculum to students in Bossier Parish schools.

D.A.R.E., which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, provides students with the knowledge and skills to make positive decisions and resist the dangers associated with drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence and other challenges facing today’s youth. Bullying prevention and making healthy, responsible choices are also important components of the program.

During the 49th Officer Training Graduation, Louisiana D.A.R.E. Training Center Director Lt. Gene Higginbotham welcomed guests and recognized the graduating officers.

Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington addressed the graduates, reminding them that they are setting an example for the students they teach and spoke about the lasting impact D.A.R.E. officers can have on young people, sharing that after 39 years in law enforcement, some of the students he once taught through D.A.R.E. have gone on to become members of the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Bossier Sheriff Deputy Megan Rasmussen received additional recognition during the graduation, being named the Overall Top Student of the training class. She was awarded the D.A.R.E. Lion, a distinction each team competed for throughout the week, and was also recognized as the Most Outstanding Team Member.