The Alexander City Outlook

Coosa students benefit from sheriff’s department resourcesHal

Thanks to the Lake Martin Area United Way, Coosa County Deputy Sheriff Tim Lipscomb can provide a presence in the Coosa County schools.

“I get a chance to make a difference,” Lipscomb said. “I can provide a presence in the schools and let kids know law enforcement is their friend. I work to give them a more positive view of law enforcement.”

Lipscomb said funding from United Way allows him to serve as a resource office for Coosa County students in kindergarten through 12th grade, but he does not teach a traditional alcohol and drug resistance education program.

“It’s not a D.A.R.E. program,” Lipscomb said. “We’re a resource for students, faculty and staff at the schools. We are a security-based program. We are not primarily a teaching program, but I do try to get into the classroom as much as possible.”

Lipscomb said although he does not operate a traditional D.A.R.E. program, he teaches students about resisting drugs and alcohol and United Way funding helps provide the funding necessary to purchase class materials with.

“I appreciate all the assistance we get from United Way and all the people who support United Way,” Lipscomb said. “For a lot of these kids, drugs are a part of their lives. This program gives them a chance to see that is not the way it should be.”

He said his job as a resource officer also allows him the opportunity to speak to government classes about laws and the legal system.

Lipscomb said he believes having a mentor in the school system helps students see a better life is possible.

“Without this program a lot of kids wouldn’t know better,” Lipscomb said. “A lot of kids wouldn’t know any different. I want to show them drugs are not the norm, and that is not the way to live. They can have a better life.”