Crisis team shows students the danger of using illicit drugs

By John w. Goodwin jr.

HUBBARD — Members of the Mahoning Valley Crisis Response Team spent a light day at St. Patrick School displaying some of the tools used to fight illegal drug use and encourage students to remain drug-free.

Sgt. Lou Carsone of the Hubbard police said the Friday morning visit was part of an ongoing program that teaches young people at the school about the dangers of drugs.

Thursday, officers spent the day in classrooms at the school showing the students various videos and information on illegal drug use and what it can do. After the classroom instruction, however, Carsone said officers wanted to get more hands-on with the students.

“We are really doing this in stages, and the kids really wanted to see some of those guys who go out and do raids and stuff like that. So, we did this as part of that program,” he said.

The main attraction was a mammoth response vehicle used by the response team in crisis situations and not often seen on area roads.

The truck has retractable ladders that can propel officers three stories into the air and is completed armored and bulletproof. The only openings on the vehicle are small porthole windows where officers can place firearms if needed.

Detective Sgt. John Elberty, commander of the response team, said the team likes to show the equipment to the community whenever possible.

“We like to do demos and like to get the chiefs involved. This is a top-notch organization. There are tactical teams in big cities that don’t have this type of equipment. When people ask we try to take it out,” he said.

The response vehicle was not the only piece of equipment to draw interest. Students tried on bulletproof vests, posed for photos holding battering rams and riot shields and donned helmets worn by officers in crisis situations.

The vehicle may have had the unintended effect of making some students look at law enforcement in a different light — as a potential career.

Danny Madeline, 13, said he has several members of his family in law enforcement. He said law enforcement for him would be a serious option, “If I could get the chance to ride around in that thing.”

Nick Humphrey, 14, said the presentation and observing the various police equipment piqued a long-held interest he has had about law enforcement, but he is still torn between law enforcement and dentistry.

Ultimately, Carsone said the idea is to give kids the needed mental tools to resist drugs and let them know that there is a team of men and women in law enforcement and the community who stand behind then in the resistance of illegal drug activity.

Principal Rita Gontaruk said programs such as the drug resistance program work well in informing students and helping them to make the right decisions in the future.

jgoodwin@vindy.com