La Pine fifth-graders get limo ride for good deed

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office’s LEADER limo will be used Friday to reward a fifth-grade class at La Pine Elementary School for turning in money they found.

The LEADER program (Law Enforcement Awarding Dynamic Examples of Responsibility) started last year as way for law enforcement to recognize students for doing the right thing when it comes to public safety, good citizenry, avoiding alcohol or drug use and being a leader among their peers, sheriff’s Capt. Shane Nelson said Thursday.

On Friday at 2 p.m., the children from Mrs. Bajorek’s fifth-grade class will be picked up from school in the limousine and taken on a scenic ride, Nelson said.

After their outing, the students will be returned to school and the LEADER students will be presented with a certificate of appreciation and a special treat.

The limousine used for the program is a 1997 Lincoln Town Car stretch limo. It was seized by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team when over 100 pounds of marijuana was confiscated during the investigation. Oftentimes, Nelson said, vehicles and other property are forfeited during such an investigation.

“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office appreciates local businesses willing to donate items for the program.,” Nelson said.

Sheriff Larry Blanton said, “The LEADER program is designed to reward students that show leadership qualities. We hope that this unique reward will remind students that they have made a positive difference in the life of another,”