| 1/4/2006 9:01:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Sheriff hopes new car will help teach of drug, racing dangers
An old patrol car has taken on a new look as a Beat the Heat car for the Chaffee County Sheriff’s department.
“Work on the car was done by the Colorado Department of Corrections and was paid for by drug seizure money and donations,” Chaffee County Sheriff Tim Walker said.
Walker is state director for the Beat the Heat program in addition to being the Chaffee County director. He and Sgt. Rick Holland of the sheriff's department are in charge of the Beat the Heat program which is a “cops and kids” oriented program.
“One of our prime functions is to talk to kids about staying in school and off drugs and alcohol,” Walker said. “Another part of the program is to educate kids about the dangers of street racing.”
Walker’s Beat the Heat race car, which he drives in competition, has been and continues to be used as part of the Beat the Heat educational program, but this new vehicle will provide better exposure because it can also be used as a patrol car for driving under the influence enforcement, traffic control, parades, auto shows and other promotional purposes.
“Across the United States we have youths dying in traffic crashes as a result of street racing,” Walker said.
“Car manufacturers are bringing back the muscle cars and high performance vehicles and because of this, it is important to educate youths about the hazards of street racing and problems related to drug and alcohol use.”
The eye-catching new vehicle makes that possible.
Sponsors for the Beat the Heat program are Cowns Black Belt Academy in Salida, Leadville and Buena Vista; Wal-Mart, TWH Networking, Tire Town and Wilderness Ski Shop.
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