Mahopac Middle School recently hosted a high-energy culminating assembly for its Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, welcoming Town of Carmel Police Officer Vincent Serio who brought with him additional local police officers and K-9 units from Carmel and Kent.
The assembly featured interactive demonstrations, positive messaging and hands-on learning experiences designed to reinforce the skills students developed throughout the DARE program. Highlights included indoor drone demonstrations, police K-9 presentations and a spirited tug-of-war finale between officers and students.
DARE is a nationally recognized program that teaches students how to make safe, healthy and responsible choices. At Mahopac Middle School, seventh grade students learn about the dangers of drugs, how to handle peer pressure in real-life situations and the importance of effective communication and decision making.
“We are fortunate to work with Officer Serio and the Town of Carmel Police Department, whose guidance and support help make the DARE experience meaningful and memorable for everyone,” Assistant Principal Anthony Muia said, who spearheaded the program at the middle school. “This year’s program was a huge success, and we are proud of all the students for their participation and hard work.”
During the assembly, Police Officer Vincenzo Rocco conducted an indoor drone demonstration using a compact drone designed for interior use. Operating the drone remotely with a headset and his back to the gymnasium, Rocco navigated the drone throughout the space, explaining how the technology allows officers to deploy eyes inside a building during an emergency.
Students were also introduced to police K-9 partners, including Officer Vincent DeSantola and K-9 Pietro from the Carmel Police Department and Sgt. Ryan Piekarski and K-9 Saber from the Kent Police Department. Both K-9s are German shepherds trained to assist law enforcement in tasks such as locating missing persons, detecting narcotics or explosives, tracking suspects and supporting officer safety.
K-9 handlers demonstrated how the dogs apprehend suspects using controlled commands, with one officer acting as a decoy while wearing a heavily padded protective sleeve. Another demonstration showed a K-9 locating hidden narcotics, highlighting the dogs’ discipline, training and precision.
Students enthusiastically asked questions about K-9 training, safety and real-life experiences, including whether K-9s ever get out of control and if they have successfully located individuals. Officers explained that obedience training is the foundation of K-9 work and shared that both K-9s present have successfully tracked people in the field.
The assembly concluded with a lively tug-of-war between students and officers. Despite being outnumbered by more than 15 seventh graders, the officers secured the win to the cheers of the crowd.
Participating officers included Sgt. Christopher Fox, Detective Daniel Shea, Officer William Gabay, Officer Justin Goldfine, Officer Christopher Pelcher and Officer Jake Talbert.
Officer Serio, the DARE officer for the Town of Carmel Police Department, also shared that the program includes discussions on peer pressure, social media awareness and the dangers of vaping. In addition, representatives from youth programs across Putnam County are invited to speak with students about opportunities and resources available to them.
Through the DARE program and community partnerships, Mahopac Middle School continues to provide students with meaningful learning experiences that promote safety, responsibility and confidence.
