Hingham Extraordinary Teacher: DARE Officer Rob Ramsey

Who:  Officer Rob Ramsey

What: D.A.R.E. Officer, Hingham Police Officer

Where: Hingham Middle School for last 8 years

What does “D.A.R.E.” stand for, and what is the program about? It stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, and the goal is to have the kids know the dangers of poor choices regarding tobacco, drugs and alcohol. We discuss how the first time of trying any of these can lead kids down a very dangerous road. We also talk about how to resist the power of peer pressure, advertising, movies and music – how to recognize that what’s being portrayed as cool or the right way to behave is not at all true. That they can make the right choice even when it’s hard.

What ages do you work with? Mostly 6^th grade, but I work with the 7^th and 8^th graders two or three times a term to review what we have talked about. I also work with students at St. Paul’s in the fall and at Derby Academy in the spring. In the summer months I’m back on patrol in Hingham. For the last 7 years, I’ve also been running the “radKIDS” safety program during the summer with Officer Tom Ford.

Why did you become a police officer? My dad was a police officer, and a couple of my uncles were Boston police officers. I just always wanted to do this, to help people and make a difference. My mom was a teacher, so when the opportunity for this position came up, it just seemed like a natural fit for me.

What is your favorite part of the job? Interacting with the kids every day, and with the amazing faculty here.  Every day is different. I just love being here every day. Between the people here and those at the station, it’s great. I’m very lucky.

Do you have any children? I have two sons, ages 7 and 4.

Do you have any hobbies? Golf, when I can play. My boys are starting to get into it, too, so it’s really fun. I love sports – I used to play soccer competitively.

What’s your favorite book? Right now I’m reading “Roadshow: Landscape with Drums: A Concert Tour by Motorcycle” by Neil Peart, the drummer of the band Rush.

What’s your favorite movie? Action movies, suspense, science fiction. My boys are starting to get into Star Wars.

What’s your favorite food? Steak and potatoes.

How would you describe your middle school self? Oh, pretty much like I am now – I’m still a goofy kid at heart. I got along with everyone – I played sports, I played trumpet in the band (I was horrible at it), and helped out with the drama department. I had a great class and am still close with some kids from middle school.

If you weren’t a police officer, what would you be? Probably a teacher. It’s such a great profession, and sadly under-appreciated these days.

What’s your favorite music?  Irish bagpipe music. I started to play the bagpipes with police officers in Boston until my sons came along. I hope to get back to it when they’re a little older. Also, classic rock.

Who is your hero? My parents. My dad passed away a couple of years ago, and my mom is still in Hingham. They are incredible people.

If you won the lottery, what would you do? Make sure my family is set financially, then I’d probably travel.

Do you have a dream vacation? Well, I’ve been to Tahiti and to Ireland – I’d probably go back to Ireland, now that I know more about my family history. I’d like to go back and try to find more about my ancestors. I’d also like to go to London and Paris.

One thing most people wouldn’t know about you? I’m a trivia fanatic. I love watching “Jeopardy!” and answering all the questions. I’m pretty good at it too! I’m sort of the king of useless knowledge.