John "Ben" VanVerth said he refused to be driven out of his own neighborhood -- the one he's lived in for more than 20 years.

That's why when questionable activities started taking place in the 400 block of Wengler Avenue in Sharon, VanVerth said he and other neighbors acted quickly.

"We didn't want drug dealers on our block," he said.

And that neighborhood effort to get rid of a Sharon drug house has garnered residents the Fraternal Order of Police Rose of Sharon Lodge Citizens of the Year award.

VanVerth accepted the award Saturday on behalf of the entire block.

"I am very, very proud that we're receiving the award for the block," VanVerth said Saturday. "I urge everyone to take some responsibility for their neighborhoods and work with authorities."

Sharon Police Sgt. Jerry Smith said VanVerth and Richard "Rich" Polito helped to "rally the whole neighborhood" to get rid of the drug activity on their block. "That's extraordinary for a citizen to get that actively involved to help the police."

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