 | | | Detective Berch Parker (center) smiles with Cathy Surges-Moscato, Community Service Officer (left) and Sergeant Howard Shiells (right) of the Lafayette Police Department. Photo Carol Yates
| | | | | | Once a year, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board acknowledges both volunteers and non-volunteer individuals and groups. This year, Detective Berch Parker of the Lafayette Police Department won the 2012 People Who Make A Difference Award in the Non-Volunteer Individual category in Supervisor Gayle B. Uilkema's District II.
"Be aware, be present, and make your house a place where your kids and their friends will want to hang out, and model good behavior." This is the advice that Youth Diversion Officer Parker recommends to the parents of Lafayette. Parker conducts presentations to classes, parents and local groups addressing the consequences of drugs and alcohol. He has guided students over the years, by helping them make better choices.
Last May, he presented to the Emergency Preparedness Commission regarding "Threat Assessment in Schools; Managing Threatening Situations & Creating a Safe School Climate." He is both a role model and a teacher who has developed strong relationships with the students, parents, and the schools while making valuable contributions to the community.
Carol Ashford, an Acalanes High School administrator said, "If we had an award, we would give it to him. He's part of the school."
The mission of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board is to assess family and community needs regarding treatment and prevention of alcohol and drug abuse problems. Findings and recommendations are reported to Contra Costa Health Services, the Board of Supervisors, and the communities served.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA