The Montgomery News Staff | Posted April 15, 2026
The Montgomery Township Police Department, in partnership with the Montgomery Health Department, coordinated and participated in the THINKFAST Interactive program at the Montgomery Township High School on April 15. The event, sponsored by the Montgomery Health Department, focused on educating students about the dangers of vaping and substance abuse through an engaging, hands-on learning experience.
From Left to Right: Vice Principal MTHS John Vitale, Chief Silvio Bet, Sergeant Timothy Giaccone, Public Health Nurse Anita Persaud, and Officer Christopher Parlow.
THINKFAST Interactive is a nationally recognized prevention program that uses a fast-paced, game show-style format to promote healthy decision-making among teens. Students participated in team-based activities that challenged their knowledge and perceptions about substance use, while also learning about the real-life consequences associated with vaping, alcohol, and drug abuse.
The collaborative effort reflects the Township’s continued commitment to proactive education and intentional community engagement, aiming to equip young people with the tools and information they need to make informed and healthy choices.
"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 a meaningful and interactive way, 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 their support in making this event a success. This completes a three-part school awareness workshop coordinated by the police department consisting of Bullying/Mental Health, Teen Driver Safety/Distracted Driving, and Vaping/Substance Abuse. Each program was custom tailored and age relevant to specifically target each of the school’s four classes”, said Police Chief Silvio Bet.
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Montgomery High School Principal Heather Pino-Beattie added, “Our THINKFAST assemblies reflect our commitment to educating the whole child, not just academically, but socially and emotionally. By partnering with the Montgomery Township Police Department and the Montgomery Health Department, we’re able to bring timely, real-world topics like bullying, mental health, teen driver safety, and substance use to life in ways that truly resonate with our students. These experiences don’t just inform, they empower students to make safer, healthier choices and to look out for one another.”
For more information about substance abuse prevention programs or future community initiatives, please contact the Montgomery Township Police Department or the Montgomery Health Department.
