Sheriff's department unites with Safe Grad once again

After pulling out in 1999, the Carson City Sheriff's Department is again joining the effort to organize a sober celebration for graduating high school seniors.

"I think it's awesome," said Karen Benson, chairwoman of the Safe Grad committee. "It shows that not only the community but the police support an event to keep kids safe."

Former Sheriff Rod Banister bowed out following a dispute with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which criticized his deputies for letting drunken students into the 1998 party.

However, Sheriff Kenny Furlong, who took office in January, decided to become involved in the event again.

"It's a good effort on the part of the community to make sure the kids have a safe celebration," he said. "We want to be involved in all of the schools here in Carson City, and Safe Grad is a particular focus because it's a critical night."

The sheriff's department, in conjunction with Stand Tall Don't Fall, will present the committee with a $5,000 check.

"We're going in full blast on this," said Chief Deputy Steve Schuette.

Benson said in past surveys, a large percentage of students reported that had they not attended Safe Grad, they would have gone to a party with alcohol.

"This gives them a safe, sober place to come and be with their friends," she said. "And they'll arrive home alive when it's all over."

Safe Grad begins with a party at the Carson City Community Center featuring a variety of activities from swimming to a Velcro wall. At 6 a.m. students are taken by bus to the Great America amusement park.

It will be Benson's first time at the party.

"I think it's going to be a gas," she said. "The events we have planned are just going to be a giggle. I can't wait to watch them."

More than 80 percent of last year's seniors attended the party. Organizers are hoping for 400 students out of the nearly 500 seniors to participate this year.

So far, about 200 students have signed up.

The Sheriff's Department will provide security for the event and chaperones for the trip.