Yanticaw Park (or Boys Park as Commissioner Petracco affectionately calls it) was filled with laughter, fun, and lots of free food for Nutley’s sixth grade students. This event marked the Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) end of the year celebration picnic. The program under the direction of Public Safety Commissioner Alphonse Petracco, aims to create safer, healthier communities free of drugs, bullying, and violence.

“The LEAD picnic is absolutely one of my favorite events of the year,” Commissioner Petracco says. “And to come out here on such a beautiful day on these brand new fields and spend an afternoon with our most valuable asset, our children, is a thrill for all of us.”

Throughout the year, Nutley police officers visited the five elementary schools to enforce an anti-drug curriculum. It’s designed to promote positive, pro-social attitudes and behavior whilst fostering healthy relationships as well as resistance to substance abuse and conflict. LEAD officers play an important role in both educating students and forming a strong partnership between the police department, schools, parents, and children. 

The lessons learned through this program are vital life lessons that will remain with the students as they continue to grow. In celebration of their accomplishments and finishing the program, the five schools gathered at the park with a DJ, games, and food including pizza, hot dogs, and snow cones. It was a perfect day under the sun as school almost closes out for the summer.