By Staff
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Agent Greg Morgan and his canine partner, Casper, give Oakland Heights Elementary School students a lesson on drugs and safety. Morgan stopped by the school on Tuesday. Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
Aug. 29, 2001
Agent Greg Morgan doesn't have a problem getting the attention of any first grader with Casper by his side.
Casper, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois who works for the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, is Morgan's sidekick when making anti-drug and safety demonstrations for elementary school children.
Melissa Pryor quieted a few children who became overly excited.
The children breathed a collective "ooh." They were impressed, but not nearly as much as Morgan, a former Oakland Heights student.
The program to visit schools with an MBN drug dog began last year as part of bureau director Don Strange's plan to boost the state agency and as an effort to "stop a drug problem before it starts," Morgan said.
Oakland Heights was the first stop on Morgan's statewide tour, during which he plans to talk to children in kindergarten through grade 12. Next, Crestwood Elementary School students will have a chance to meet Morgan and his canine partner.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for the Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.