P.D. Heat is a “Cops and Kids” program that brings kids, young adults, and all of us that are still “young” adults, together with Police Officers and provides an avenue to closely interact with each other. Each can learn from the other things that will make a difference for each.
To help educate people of our community about the real and dangerous problems of illegal drug and alcohol use;
To help educate people of our community about the real and dangerous horrors of alcohol or drug impaired driving;
To promote a better understanding between Police Officers and the community we serve;
To educate the general public about the sport of Drag Racing, and of the real and dangerous problems of illegal street racing.
Three of our goals deal specifically with “Education”. Many of the problems in our society today stems from the fact that people are lacking in education. Our program can only attempt with the adults to get them to use their heads and think before they do something. HOWEVER, we can make a difference by getting the attention of young people who are very, very capable of learning. Many times we, as adults, under estimate the intelligence of these
young kids and their ability to comprehend. We try to promote the idea to these young people to stay in school and not stray into the road of alcohol and drug abuse, to understand that Police Officers are people too, and about how much fun drag racing can be if it is done correctly, legally, and not on the street. It is unfortunate that we hear too many times about teens who have have lost their lives because they chose to race on the streets. In reality, it is not just their lives that are in danger. Many innocent people have also lost their lives due to the wrong decision made by someone who wanted to “race” and chose to do it on a public roadway. The end result too many times ends with the devastation of multiple families who have lost their loved ones due to these types of acts.
By using our race cars, we find that we are able to break down the enormous wall that exists between Police Officers and young adults. In many instances we have been told that if it were not for the fact that we have a race car, we would not have been approached and actually spoken to by these kids and young adults. These individuals find that even though we are Police Officers, we are real
people that they can talk to and not be intimidated by or scared of. They find that we do share common beliefs. They find that we’re not the person that they thought we were. Unfortunately, we hear many times where adults tell their children to look at that Police Officer, if you’re not good he’s going to put you in Jail. That is like dragging your nails across a chalk board to a Police Officer as that is not the perception that we would like to be perceived as. The sad part of that is those children are being educated to fear a Police Officer and that he is a “BAD” person even though that may not necessarily be the intent.
P.D. Heat is a chapter of Beat The Heat Inc., an IRS recognized 501c3 organization. By belonging to Beat The Heat, P.D. Heat is governed by the rules, regulations, and by-laws of Beat The Heat. At no time can any public money be spent on our program. Funding is provided solely by the participating Officer and from generous contributions from friends, businesses, and from individuals who believe in our program. All contributions are 100% tax deductable.
Inside you will find more information about our Program and how it works. You can also find information about individuals and businesses that support our goals. Please take a little time to learn about us and Beat The Heat.
"WFO" Joey Cram
Sgt. Gary W. Jones
Racing for Education
P.D. Heat Racing
