“Officer D’Onofrio’s dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for our children have left a legacy that will continue to influence students for years to come,” Board member Richard Dunn said. D’Onofrio, who served as a longtime D.A.R.E. instructor, was honored at a board meeting on March 23.
Retired police officer Patrick D’Onofrio was honored for his many years of dedicated service to the Old Bridge Township Public Schools community as a D.A.R.E. instructor at a Board of Education meeting on March 23.
“Throughout his time in our schools, Officer D’Onofrio made a lasting impact on countless students by promoting responsible decision-making, respect, and drug-free lifestyles,” Board member Richard Dunn said. “His commitment to building positive relationships between law enforcement and our youth has helped foster trust, safety, and strong character within our school community.”
D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) was founded in 1983 and is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives, according to its website.
“Officer D’Onofrio’s dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for our children have left a legacy that will continue to influence students for years to come,” Dunn said.
And although he’s retired, he’s around, Superintendent Vincent Sasso said.
“I happened to be at Shepherd’s [Elementary] School today and I’m just walking down the hallway and who pops out the main office, Officer D’Onofrio,” he shared. “[He’s] still working and still working for the community. I had the opportunity to attend several fifth-grade graduations and just to see the foundation that he has laid for so many …thank you for everything that you provided to our students over the years.”
D’Onofrio thanked the board for the honor.
“I did not expect this,” he said. “I never expected this in any of my career. One of the things I always did in my career was I always wanted to make a difference.”
D’Onofrio shared he was notified that the district has eight to nine finalists in the annual Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey school competition.
Before he left the podium, D’Onofrio addressed the students at the meeting.
“A lot of stuff done in the school district is for you,” he said. “Take everything you learned and put towards your future.”
