Northampton Police Chief Ron Morey is stepping down as head of the borough's D.A.R.E program.

The 10-week course is taught to six-grade classes at Colonel John Sigfried School and Good Shepherd Parochial Elementary School, Northampton.

The course instructs students about the dangers of alcohol, drug and tobacco abuse, along with bullying.

Morey, who continues to head the borough's police force, will turn the reins of the D.A.R.E program over to Police Officer Ryan Konetsky.

Morey has guided the program for more than a decade.

The borough's first instructor was Sgt. Anthony Lopsonzski Sr., now retired and serving as a borough councilman.

The police chief's leaving the program coincides with the retirement of Siegfried School teacher Gary Pierzga, coordinator of the school's program since its beginning.

The police chief was given permission by borough council to send Konetsky to a D.A.R.E training course in Connecticut July 28 through Aug. 8. On successful completion, Konetsky will be certified to teach the course. The borough will pay $550 lodging costs for Konetsky's stay in Connecticut and also meals. The course is free.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko said the Connecticut-based school is the closest to the borough.

Pennsylvania stopped providing funding for the D.A.R.E. program years ago.

Northampton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4714's home association sponsors the project.