A Lincoln Police Officer was recently recognized at the Illinois DARE Conference in Peoria. 

Lincoln Police Chief Joe Meister explains that last week, his four DARE officers attended the Illinois D.A.R.E. conference in which Officer Christy Fruge (FRUH-JAY) was named the Illinois D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year.

Being recognized for the D.A.R.E. program in Lincoln is a great honor. Chief Meister couldn't be more proud of his officers, and mentions that much of the work they do goes unnoticed. 

The Lincoln Police Department was also recently awarded a grant through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. Chief Meister says the grant was for about $152,000 ,which will allow the department to give bonuses to officers to help with officer retention. 

The D.A.R.E. Program encourages students at a young age to steer clear from drugs and alcohol, as well as teaches healthy mental wellness practices.