On Monday, May 24, 2004, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department held its 5th Annual Deputy Mendy L. Poliakoff D.A.R.E. Award Ceremony. This award was established to honor Deputy Poliakoff who exemplified commitment to the D.A.R.E. program and the children of Pima County.

Deputy Poliakoff began his career with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in 1986, joining the D.A.R.E. Unit in 1992. He was truly a dedicated member of the D.A.R.E program and a respected member of the Sheriff’s Department. In November 1999, Deputy Poliakoff lost his battle with cancer. His initiative, vigor, and commitment could not be replaced.

To show our respect and appreciation for his efforts, the Mendy L. Poliakoff D.A.R.E. Award was established. Each year, this award is bestowed upon a student who exemplifies Deputy Poliakoff’s commitment to the D.A.R.E. program. The winner is chosen from the end of the year essays written by graduating Pima County D.A.R.E. students. More than 3,300 D.A.R.E. students participated in the 2004 essay contest.

This year’s winner is Nicole Thill – a 5th grader from Coronado Elementary School. Nicole wrote an essay focusing on the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and how people should choose to say “no” to drugs. She was presented with a plaque, a $500.00 savings bond, a certificate, and a replica of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s D.A.R.E. Suburban. From reading Nicole’s essay, it was obvious she had learned a lot about the effects of all drugs.

The men and women of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department congratulate Nicole Thill on writing an outstanding essay and being a positive force against drug use. We believe that the D.A.R.E. program is instrumental in deterring children from drugs, as well as providing valuable resources to assist in making good decisions. Keep up the good work Nicole!

To read Nicole Thill’s award winning essay, click here.