In late Oct. 2011, Chief Murphy met with Superintendent of Altus Public Schools, Bob Drury and Asst. Superintendent Bruce May. Murphy said, “Although we were on a very short time line, I informed them of my intentions of having a D.A.R.E. officer back in the Altus Public Schools. I also let them know who this officer would be. They were very supportive and agreed that our children needed to know about the dangers of drugs and alcohol at a very young age. This is a time in their lives when not only parents are a positive influence but someone else could serve as a positive role model in our children’s lives.”
Sgt. Mike Bell was chosen to be the Altus Police Department’s new D.A.R.E. officer. Sgt Bell attended the state’s two-week D.A.R.E. academy and successfully graduated on Jan. 20. Working with the Altus Public Schools, Bell will develop a curriculum and teach his D.A.R.E. classes, it is anticipated by the beginning of the next school year.
Sgt. Bell began his law enforcement career at Altus in Sept. 2006, after retiring from the United States Air Force. He and his wife, Sandra, have two children who attend Altus Public Schools. Chief Murphy said, “Mike is a dedicated, hard working police officer with a positive attitude and work ethics who will commit himself to this project. Having two children in our school system, Mike knows how essential this project is and how important that the Altus Police Department and Altus Public Schools work together for a common goal. I’m certain that Mike will succeed in this new venture.”
Chief Murphy added, “I would like to thank Mayor David Webb for his support. I would especially like to thank Superintendent of Altus Public Schools Bob Drury and the Altus School Board, without their support this project could never have happened.”
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