The Montgomery News | October 22, 2026
The Montgomery Police Department, in partnership with the local health department, brought an engaging prevention initiative to Montgomery High School on October 21, focusing the dangers of vaping and substance abuse.
Montgomery Township High School Principal Heather Pino-Beattie emphasized the importance of these collaborative efforts in supporting students’ overall development.
“At Montgomery High School, we want our students to have the knowledge, confidence, and support to make choices that protect their health and their future," Pino-Beattie said. "The THINKFAST assembly gives students a chance to engage in important conversations about vaping and substance use in a way that is relevant to their lives. Just as importantly, it reinforces that the choices we make matter, that looking out for one another matters, and that no student has to navigate these decisions alone. Our goal is to empower students to make informed decisions, stand up for themselves and their friends, and recognize that their well-being will always be just as important as their success in the classroom.”
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THINKFAST Interactive is a nationally recognized prevention program that uses a fast-paced, game show-style format to connect with students on issues that directly affect their health, safety, and well-being. Through team-based challenges and hands-on activities, students tested their knowledge, challenged common misconceptions, and explored the real-life consequences of vaping, alcohol use, and drug abuse. By delivering important prevention messages in an engaging and relatable format, the program encouraged students to make informed decisions and recognize the importance of looking out for themselves and their peers.
Through continued collaboration among law enforcement, public health officials, educators, and the community, Montgomery Township is reinforcing the importance of investing in its youth. Programs such as THINKFAST Interactive demonstrate that effective prevention extends beyond awareness alone—it creates opportunities for young people to ask questions, challenge perceptions, build positive decision-making skills, and take an active role in fostering a safer and healthier school community.
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The initiative reflects Montgomery Township Police Department’s continued commitment to proactive youth engagement, community partnerships, and prevention-focused education. By bringing together law enforcement, public health professionals, and school leadership, the police department continues to invest in meaningful opportunities that empower young people with the knowledge, confidence, and resources necessary to navigate today’s challenges and make healthier choices.
Police Chief Silvio Bet told The Montgomery News, "The Montgomery Township Police Department is proud to partner with the Montgomery Health Department in bringing impactful programs like THINKFAST Interactive to our students,Education and prevention are critical components in addressing the ongoing challenges of vaping and substance abuse among youth. By engaging students in meaningful and interactive ways, we can help them better understand the risks and empower them to make safer, healthier decisions. We thank the Montgomery Health Department for sponsoring this important initiative and the Montgomery Township High School administration for its support in making this event a success.”
Chief Bet also highlighted that the THINKFAST Vaping is the first of a three-part school awareness workshop series coordinated by the Montgomery Township Police Department. The series addresses Vaping and Substance Abuse, Teen Driver Safety, and AI/Internet Safety. Each program is tailored to be age-appropriate and relevant to the school’s four class groups, ensuring that students received information and prevention messages suited to their developmental needs.
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Montgomery Township Health Officer Devangi Patel said, “THINKFAST brought incredible energy to prevention education, engaging students in conversations about choices that affect their safety and well-being,” When it comes to vaping, we want students to recognize that a product marketed as a way to fit in or relieve stress can become something they feel they can’t get through the day without. Prevention means giving young people the facts, confidence, and support to protect their health and independence. We’re proud to partner with Montgomery High School, our Police Department, and Municipal Alliance to bring these conversations to students in an interactive and memorable way.”
The Montgomery Township Police Department extends its appreciation to the Montgomery Health Department for sponsoring this initiative and to Montgomery Township High School Administration, faculty, and staff for their continued partnership and commitment to student success.
The Montgomery Township Police Department is committed to protecting and serving the community through public safety, proactive education, community partnerships, and initiatives that promote the well-being of residents of all ages.
"By working together, Montgomery Township’s Police Department, public health, and educational partners remain dedicated to engaging, educating, and empowering the next generation," Chief Bet said.
