CHAMPS Program Officially Launches in Coffee County

COFFEE COUNTY— The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has officially launched the CHAMPS program in Coffee County, expanding drug education, prevention, safety, and positive decision-making opportunities to students at First Academy Christian School and Citizens Christian Academy.

The program was implemented after Sheriff Fred Cole recognized that while the Coffee County School System was bringing the DARE program back to its students, children attending Coffee County’s two private schools did not have access to the same type of drug education and prevention programming. Sheriff Cole believed that was not acceptable and began working with both schools to bring CHAMPS to their students.

Detective Chris Wilson recently completed the CHAMPS instructor certification program through the Georgia Sheriff’s Association and quickly put his training into action. The first Coffee County CHAMPS class was held with fifth-grade students at First Academy Christian School. Students were introduced to what CHAMPS stands for and, more importantly, why the program exists. Lessons focus on drug education, safety, responsible decision-making, understanding consequences, and developing positive relationships between students and law enforcement.

The program has now expanded to Citizens Christian Academy, where the first CHAMPS class was recently held. Students participating in the program received the same foundational instruction and were given an opportunity to engage directly with law enforcement in a positive educational environment.

CHAMPS will currently serve students at First Academy Christian School and Citizens Christian Academy each school year. The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office views the program as an important investment in prevention, recognizing that educating young people before they encounter difficult choices can help them make better decisions in the future.

The launch of CHAMPS represents another part of Sheriff Cole’s broader commitment to prevention, education, and building positive relationships with the next generation of Coffee County residents.

“This is about all kids. Not some kids. Not most kids. All kids.”

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office will continue working with both schools to provide CHAMPS throughout the school year and give students the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to make responsible choices.

Our children are worth it.