Bergen Police Officer Honored For Teaching Kids Anti-Drug Curriculum

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A local police officer was honored for excelling in teaching kids the dangers of drugs and violence, and for strengthening police-community relations.

Ramsey officer Sean Beamon recently received the "New Jersey Instructor of the Year" award from Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.) — "a nationwide nonprofit that addresses what matters: drugs, bullying and violence."

Beamon was presented with the award for his work educating schoolchildren on anti-drug, anti-violence curriculum implemented by L.E.A.D. He teaches 250 fifth graders at John Y. Dater Elementary School and the Academy of Saint Paul.

“I like the L.E.A.D. curriculum because it gives kids a foundation before we start introducing them to drug and alcohol prevention,” Beamon said. “There are character-building activities to teach them about responsible decision making and how to build healthy friendships. These lessons are building blocks that help them develop self-esteem and fortitude to avoid unhealthy habits when it comes to drugs and alcohol.”

Having taught the program since 2018, his first class of students are now high school sophomores. They refer to him as "Officer B," he said, when they run into him in town.

“Even after five years, it’s gratifying to hear how much the students remember from what they learned when they went through L.E.A.D. in the fifth grade,” he said. “It's a great feeling that the kids still want to interact with me several years after being their instructor, and it shows that the program is truly helping to build a bridge between the police and the Ramsey community.”

As part of the 10-week program, Beamon's fifth-grade students get to participate in activities outside of the classroom, as he gives them the option of going to a professional basketball and an ice hockey game. Additionally, his students will host a talent show at John Y. Dater Elementary School on May 20 that will benefit L.E.A.D., and wrap up the program with a graduation pool party.

The interactive nature is what students enjoy most about the program, Beamon said.

“The children get excited about being part of L.E.A.D. as they enjoy the activities that come with the curriculum,” Beamon said. “They like the aspect of getting to interact with a police officer during the school day, and we keep the material fun and engaging. Instead of going into a classroom and just talking at the students, L.E.A.D. gives us a purposeful way of engaging with them.”

Due to his background serving in the Coast Guard before joining the police department in 2013, Beamon also takes interested students on visits to military installations to give them insight into a military career.

“We congratulate officer Beamon on an excellent job preventing kids in Ramsey from becoming involved with violence and using harmful substances, such as drugs and alcohol," Nick DeMauro, CEO of L.E.A.D., said. "His award is well deserved, and we’re confident that he’s helping us to accomplish our goal of bettering police-community relationships. We commend officer Beamon on his instruction, which is helping students to take away pivotal life skills as they learn how to set goals, manage their emotions and make good decisions, in addition to understanding why avoiding drugs and violence is crucial.”