DARE Vehicle Sports A Flashy New Retro Look

By Susan Coney

The flashy, new look being sported by the town’s DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) vehicle is certain to attract lots of attention with its 1930s’ retro look and flaming paint job — and that is just the reaction Youth Officer Dana Schubert wishes to capture.

The vehicle, a 2001 PT Cruiser had received normal wear and tear of the decals due to weather. “We needed to freshen up the look of the car. The vehicle is one way to project the DARE program to kids, it’s the flagship of the program,” said Officer Schubert.

With the assistance of the Police Commission and Police Chief Michael Kehoe, the DARE vehicle received a new, updated look. “We are fortunate that the Police Commission and Chief Kehoe provided funding from the Drug Assets Forfeiture Fund [funds received by the seizing of the assets of drug traffickers] to freshen up the paint job and purchase new tires and wheels,” Officer Schubert said.

“It really has been a community effort. Glen Road Body Shop touched up the body and removed the old decals, A Sign Depot assisted with the lettering, and Gary Csanadi designed and painted the flames with assistance from Pete Gottmeier of Pete’s Restoration. Nick Kopcik of Newtown Exxon helped in selecting the new tires and wheels to complete the package,” Officer Schubert said.

“We wanted something a little more visually stunning. I was introduced to Gary Csanadi and we sat down and drew up some concepts. He is so talented. The preparation and the amount of work he donated amounted to about a week’s worth of his life to do the car,” Officer Schubert said. He further emphasized that no tax money was used in refurbishing the vehicle.

The DARE vehicle made its début at the Labor Day Parade. “We had a lot of fun with it. It was a big hit. The car made a connection with people of all ages from 8 to 80; the community loved it,” the youth officer said. “The high school kids even seemed to reconnect with that visual statement.”

The flashy PT Cruiser will continue to be out and about in the public eye helping to convey the message of the DARE program, which is to teach children to make wise decisions so that they may grow up and realize a fun, long, happy, healthy life.

“We are trying to inspire our children to think ahead and not just live for the moment. We’ve lost a lot of young adults this year to substance abuse. It breaks your heart because it is someone’s son or daughter. But I really do think we are making progress,” Officer Schubert said.