By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
Students at Brewton Elementary, W.S. Neal Elementary and Pollard-McCall Junior High schools were witnesses to some of the inner workings of the Escambia County Sheriffs Department, 21st Judicial Drug Task Force and
Brewton Police Department and East Brewton Police Department.
In celebration of Red Ribbon Week, officials from county and local law enforcement departments presented videos and information to students at each school. Students also had the opportunity to visit with McGruff the Crime Dog and see a law enforcement helicopter up close.
The visit by the helicopter, owned by Timberline Homes, was made possible by Dennis Adams.
Timberline’s chief pilot, Bob Barbanes, said the experience is one he wouldn’t miss.
In Thursday’s presentation at Brewton and W.S. Neal Elementary Schools, nearly 1,000 students were exposed to the message to be drug free.
Pollard-McCall held special Red Ribbon Week activities on Wednesday with visits by the helicopter, McGruff and officers from the Escambia County Sheriffs Department, Flomaton Police Depart-ment, Atmore Police Department, McCall Volunteer Fire Department and Escambia County Probate Judge Emilie Mims.
Principal Hugh White said the entire student body appeared eager to hear the drug-free message.
White said the program presenters drilled the drug free message into the students throughout the presentation.
White said 230 students in kindergarten through eighth grades participated in the event held at the school.