Purcell Sgt. Josh Van Oort has been named the top D.A.R.E. Officer in Oklahoma.

Van Oort, who has served as Purcell D.A.R.E. officer since 2019, was recognized by the D.A.R.E. Officers Association as the D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year at the annual D.A.R.E. conference in Durant.

James Richardson, president of the organization made the presentation.

Van Oort was honored for his outstanding achievement, dedication and service to the D.A.R.E. program in the Purcell School System.

Assistant Chief of Police James Bolling issued a statement last week.

“The Purcell Police Department is proud to announce that Sgt. Van Oort has been recognized by the Oklahoma D.A.R.E. Officers Association as the D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year. Sgt. Van Oort, who serves the Purcell School District, received this prestigious award for his outstanding achievement, dedication, and service to the D.A.R.E. program and the children of our great community of Purcell,” Bolling said.

Van Oort, who is the patrol supervisor, has been at the Purcell Police Department since 2016 and just recently finished his fifth D.A.R.E. class.

“I was surprised and honored to get the award with numerous nominations from the community and the department,” Van Oort said.

“I am honored to serve the kids and hope we can make an impact and reach as many kids as we can,” he continued.

“We need to let them know that police officers care about them and want them to have success. If I can reach just one kid, then we’ve been successful.

“D.A.R.E. is all about the kids. At the end of the day its important for the kids to have it and for the school to have it,” he concluded.