N.C. D.A.R.E. Officers Association Training staff

Richard Kratz
D.A.R.E. Mentor | Mooresville Police Department

Law Enforcement Experience: 17+ years
D.A.R.E. Certified: Since 2010
Mentor Certified: Since 2012

“My favorite part of being a D.A.R.E. Officer, Mentor, and State Coordinator is seeing a new fire ignite in a student, child, or officer candidate.”

Roger Cook
D.A.R.E. Mentor | Davidson County Sheriff’s Office

Law Enforcement Experience: 20+ years
D.A.R.E. Certified: Since 2018
Mentor Certified: Since 2020

“What I like most about being a D.A.R.E. Officer is the opportunity to have that first positive interaction with students as a law enforcement officer. Watching them grow and learn throughout the D.A.R.E. program, while becoming more comfortable with law enforcement and more confident in making wise and healthy choices, is incredibly rewarding. As a Mentor, I enjoy sharing my passion for this program and for these children with my brothers and sisters in law enforcement. My hope is that my enthusiasm will help guide and inspire them to become great D.A.R.E. Instructors.”

Mike Paschal
D.A.R.E. Mentor | Alamance County Sheriff’s Office

Law Enforcement Experience: 16+ years
D.A.R.E. Certified: Since 2016
Mentor Certified: Since 2023

“My favorite part of being a D.A.R.E. Officer is knowing that I am helping kids learn to make good decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. I enjoy being a Mentor because I love seeing officers grow and develop the same passion I have for helping kids make safe and responsible decisions.”

Fred Riddick
D.A.R.E. Mentor | Shallotte 

Police Department

Law Enforcement Experience: 10+ years
D.A.R.E. Certified: Since 2018
Mentor Certified: Since 2023

“The thing I love most about being a D.A.R.E. Officer is showing kids how to make the right choice, even when it may feel awkward or unpopular. I also enjoy helping students relate the D.A.R.E. Decision Making Model to their everyday lives. Being a Mentor is important to me because we need more officers reaching the children of North Carolina. I hope to share my passion, knowledge, and love for D.A.R.E. with the next generation of D.A.R.E. Officers.”

Jennifer Robertson
D.A.R.E. Mentor | Haywood County Sheriff's Office

Law Enforcement Experience: 17+ years

D.A.R.E. Certified: Since 2011
Mentor Certified: Since 2026

Wayne Elmore
D.A.R.E. Mentor | Troutman Police Department

Law Enforcement Experience: 17+ years
D.A.R.E. Certified: Since 2018
Mentor Certified: Since 2021

“Being a D.A.R.E. Officer gives students another tool they can use throughout life to help them make better decisions. You may not always know the impact you are having while teaching them, but you are planting a seed. When you see that seed begin to grow, and students use what you have taught them to become better students and eventually better people, it is truly rewarding.
Being a Mentor allows me to see the passion other officers have as they strive to be the best they can be and learn everything they can to teach the students in their schools.”