Longtime Warsaw DARE officer dies after battle with cancer

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Warsaw Police Officer Terry Polston

Warsaw Police Sgt. Terry Polston died of cancer on December 2, 2008. (WSBT Photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Dec 2, 2008 at 4:46 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 2, 2008 at 5:38 PM EST

WARSAW — A longtime Warsaw police officer who was involved with the DARE program for 20 years died Tuesday of complications from cancer.

Sgt. Terry Polston was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001. He had never smoked a day in his life.

The man known as "OP" continued to work as a DARE officer in Warsaw Community Schools while he battled the disease. As a DARE officer, Polston taught kids how to fight the peer pressure of drugs and violence.

It's a job he says he was called to do.

"To see those smiles and to get the high fives and the hugs. It makes a world of difference," Polston told WSBT News in September. "I think it's what God has called me to do. To give these kids some hope. To give these kids someone that cares, someone that loves them."

In September Polston received an unexpected award for his service and dedication — a signed copy of the DARE proclamation and a letter of encouragement from President George Bush.

Polston was described as having a contagious laugh and heart-warming smile. He was a 26-year veteran of the Warsaw Police Department.

A memorial has been set up at the Warsaw Police Department, 2191 E. Fort Wayne Street. "OP's" DARE van has also been placed at the corner of Fort Wayne and Harrison streets where mourners may leave flowers and mementos, or sign his DARE van.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:37 PM elizabeth hume wrote ...

Dear O.P and family you are in our minds our prayers. O.P was the man that everyone should be like he is a strong man of god. People knew Officer Terry Polston as O.P the man who help i had O.P for two years as my Dare officer i knew his wife and his daughter. So if anyone wont's to pay there respects to him go sign the Dare van at the police station in warsaw. all i have to say in O.P you will be remembered forever. WE LOVE YOU

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 10:54 AM Angela wrote ...

OP was my daughters DARE officer. My favorite memory of this man was walking into Leesburg School to drop off my kindergartner and seeing my 6th grader proudly wearing OP's jacket. She as well as every student in that class loved him so much. We all love you OP. Thank you for all the time and love you gave to these kids. You will be missed, but not forgotten.

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 10:34 AM Caring Soul wrote ...

Officer Polston would never stop caring about a child no matter how difficult the situation would be. He was an amazing individual, who is in a better place now. My prayers go out to his family. He has impacted my life, as well as thousands of other kids. Officer Polston, you will always be loved!

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 10:13 AM Warsaw Family wrote ...

OP will be missed greatly. He was a wonderful man and touched so many lives. He was truly a God send. Our thoughts and prayers to his family.

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 8:25 AM K. Robbins wrote ...

OP was a great man. Always there when you needed him. All his students were special to him, they weren't just a kid sitting it a class. He knew them by name and cared for everyone of them.This i know because I myself had him as a DARE officer when I was in elementary school and I am now 23. To this day he has had and always will have a huge influence in my life. My greatest sympathy to his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 6:47 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I was in officer Polston first Dare class. He was a caring man. He helped me when I needed someone. He was there.

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 6:24 AM Beth Bumgardner wrote ...

I thank God for every day that he let us have Op in our lives, and now he's in heaven as our guardian angel he will be forever missed and loved; To Randy,Yolanda and the rest of the family and friends, I am so sorry for the loss. I pray for you all that peace will fill your hearts and he is with his maker now and reunited with his Dad, and someday with us all. I'm just devastated but also at the same time I am glad he is out of pain and renewed. God Bless You All!!!

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 4:07 AM Cass wrote ...

O.P was on a mission to love kids... Its an unspeakable understatement to say he did an outstanding job. Good job O.P; see ya in Heaven... cant wait to crack some jokes again. But the thing is, miss ya. love ya O.P Cass

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 11:45 PM Tracey Rose wrote ...

OP was a man who was bigger than life and this community...there has been no bigger heart in this community in my 47 years here... he gave my daughter more than anyone other than a parent could...even though we are sad with his passing, we have comfort in knowing that he is now with his beloved Lord and relishing in the peace and beauty of heaven. God Bless you O.P. You have changed our lives forever.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 11:37 PM Proud SBPD wrote ...

This man exemplified what it is like to be a true police officer and public servant. Rest in peace, Sarge.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 11:18 PM Rene' in Plymouth wrote ...

May God bless and comfort his family and friends...

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 11:03 PM B. Brown wrote ...

For anyone that knew and loved OP there is a planned candlelight organized by students that loved him dearly at the fountains of Center Lake Park in Warsaw on Wednesday Dec 3, 2008 at 6:30pm. Please being candles as there might not be enough for all.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 10:55 PM Denise wrote ...

I was a DARE student (way back in the day, I am 26 now!). But I loved this man with all my heart. I am simply devastated, but so thankful his suffering is over! I love you OP!

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 10:33 PM Evelyn wrote ...

May the good Lord bless him and his family. What a wonderful silent hero. His picturs shows how sweet he was.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 10:29 PM From Nappanee wrote ...

This DARE Officer must have been an amazing person. To get all these beautiful comments from his young and older students. Sir – You have done your job, and must have done it well to have made such an impact that I’m sure you never knew you made, just by being your self. May God be with you and your family, including your extended family of kids. It does sound as if they looked up to you, just for being your self.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 10:23 PM Mike Denney wrote ...

I remember O.P. as my D.A.R.E. office during elementary at Leesburg, specifically during 1994-1996... I will never forget his 2 stuffed animals and his HUGE, GIANT bear hugs! I only wish the best for his family... O.P. thanks for everything.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 10:19 PM Anomymous wrote ...

This is a reminder that life is precious. Lets all give a little care for one another. If one person can bring a community together, imagine what it could be if we all combined our efforts like "OP" did. Wouldn't that be a good way to remember "OP". Our prayers are with the Polsten family. May you rest in peace "OP".

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 9:43 PM Laura Rivera wrote ...

I didn't know officer Polston personally, but I can tell you that he was a big inspiration in my daughters life, and I know that she will miss him dearly.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 9:08 PM Anonymous wrote ...

There will be a candle light vigil Wednesday at 6:30 pm at the fountains at Center Lake Park, crowd is expected to be so large it will shut down state road 15

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 9:07 PM Anonymous wrote ...

he will be missed. warsaw loves you OP

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 8:55 PM K. Stoney wrote ...

I live in Florida now but I was a DARE Student of OP. He will forever be missed! I knew him from the time I was in 2nd grade; I am now 25 and teach at a school that has DARE--I wouldn't have changed my experiences with OP for the world. He will be missed by everyone he ever met. He never forgot my name all these years later!

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 8:51 PM Warsaw Student wrote ...

I never had OP, I had one of the other dare officers but I have heard OP speak many times, and he truly is one of a kind. No one will ever be able to replace him. He will be greatly missed.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 8:22 PM Anonymous wrote ...

This man had a such a big heart for the kids that he worked with. He will be truly missed.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 7:23 PM Heather Allen wrote ...

I now live in Wyoming, but OP will always be my DARE officer. I proudly wear my DARE shirts. He has a special place in my heart and always will. OP taught us how bad drugs and alcohol are. If we want to do something for OP, it is to always stay clean and stay true to his motto "For every choice there, is a consequence". We love you and will miss!!!

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 6:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I'm a D.A.R.E studentz

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 6:12 PM jacob reynolds wrote ...

i'm a dare student i loved O.P he was caring never self-pitied and today when i heard he had died i couldn't believe it our class sat the rest of the day crying we'll miss O.P we loved him

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 5:36 PM Dillweed wrote ...

It's sad how so many good people die so early, and so many bad people serve there life away in prison. I pray for the friends and family.

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