DAPHNE, Ala. — Daphne police Sgt. Robin Snider, a Drug Abuse Resistance Educator officer, was selected as the Alabama DARE coordinator — an unpaid though honored position that involves managing and training other DARE officers in the state.

The DARE program — which gives kids life skills to keep them from drugs, gangs and violence — began in 1983 and reaches 75 percent of the nation’s school districts and 43 countries, according to the organization’s Web site.

Snider said he is excited about his new position, which includes greater responsibility.

“Its just like I’m on call for the entire state,” he said. “If I don’t know an answer, I find out the answer.”

He will stay with the Daphne Police Department and continue his school visits, teaching public- and private-school children from kindergarten through 12th grade to practice safe behavior. His additional duties include updating officers throughout Alabama of evolving DARE policies by phone and e-mail.

“It’s like volunteer work; you have to enjoy doing it,” he said.

DARE regional representative John Lindsay said he selected Snider for several reasons.

“He has an incredible level of energy,” he said. “He’s a wonderful guy and he also has the support of (Daphne police) Chief (David) Carpenter.”

Carpenter takes pride in Snider’s selection.

“It’s a great honor for him to get it. He put in a lot of work in the DARE program,” he said. “For them to choose him it means a lot for him and the department.

“We’re very proud of him.”

Snider has worked with local schools as a DARE officer for about 13 years.

“We talk about drug awareness, how to say ‘no’ to drugs and gangs, about consequences, how to make good decisions and being responsible for the decisions that you make,” Snider said.

Carpenter had selected Snider as a DARE officer because of his previous experience with children and teens. Snider had worked as a coach and Sunday-school teacher.

During his time in the classroom, he tries to be relaxed with the kids and answer the tough questions.

Children during a visit to Daphne East Elementary Thursday asked Snider if he’d ever caught kids drinking, using drugs or smoking, and if he’s been forced to draw his gun. (For the record, Snider chuckled and said he’s never pulled his gun, but has caught children amid inappropriate behavior.)

Carpenter said Snider’s work is important to the kids, and that’s clear from DARE’s recognition.

“He’s probably touched many lives in the children that he teaches,” he said. “If he can steer some of them the right way, then he’s done a good job.

“To receive this honor, means he’s done a good job.”