Oceanport Council Salutes D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year

Sgt. Steve Tagerty of thehas had quite a run this year.

In February, Tagerty oversaw his 13th graduation of fifth graders from the D.A.R.E program, which he has run since 1999 and taught a few generations of kids the importance of making good decisions.

Then in March, Tagerty took a trip to Atlantic City where he was honored as the New Jersey D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year for 2012, a recognition that Maple Place Principal Cory Radisch called, "long overdue" at .

Finally, Tagerty made his way to the Borough Council meeting on April 5 where he was joined by a group of friends and family as borough officials commended him on his recent achievement.

Mayor Michael Mahon noted that Tagerty, who has been a member of the Oceanport Police Department since 1987, had spearheaded many safety initiatives in the borough including Safety Day, and bicycle and Halloween safety programs.