NEWS RELEASE:
GALION — The Galion City School District conducted drug dog searches at the Galion High School and Galion Middle School March 22. The district is pleased to announce that no illegal substances were found in either building.
The searches, organized by School Resource Officer Ralph Burwell, were conducted in cooperation with the Galion City Police Department and Bucyrus City Police Department. Student lockers and classrooms were searched at the Galion Middle School, while lockers, classrooms, locker rooms and parking lots were swept at the High School.
“Crawford County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Martin presented the dangers of drug abuse to all of the students in the gymnasium while the search was being conducted,” explained Middle School Principal Joe Morabito. “Deputy Martin, who also serves as our DARE Officer, specifically discussed the harmful impacts of drugs on an individual’s body both short term and long term with the entire student population.”
High School Principal Ron Williams shared that this type of search has been conducted almost every year he’s been in Galion. Students at Galion High School also participated in an assembly during the search.
“Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Mark McLaughlin talked about the dangers of drugs and conducted a simulation with drug and alcohol goggles,” Williams said. “One of the K-9 Officers also answered questions about the dog, how it is trained and how it is utilized in law enforcement activities.”
“These sweeps were conducted to ensure a safe campus environment for students, staff members and the community,” explained Galion Superintendent Jim Grubbs. “I appreciate Officer Burwell organizing today’s searches and want to thank the officers from the Galion and Bucyrus Police Departments, as well as troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, for assisting with the searches.”