CELORON — Substance abuse hits home even for someone who has more than three decades of experience as a public safety officer.

On Tuesday, Robert MacKenzie, Kennebunk Police Department chief, was the guest speaker at the Combat Addiction CHQ event held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron.

MacKenzie, who has 31 years of experience as a police officer, the last 11 as the chief of police, and three and half years of experience as a firefighter and EMT, has seen the horrors of substance abuse several times on the job. Unfortunately, however, MacKenzie has seen the damage done at home, too.

MacKenzie said his youngest daughter, Caitlin, has been arrested twice for drug possession. He said after the first time, she entered an intervention program and did quite well. However, the program didn’t work because his daughter relapsed and was arrested again in January for drug possession.

MacKenzie’s personal stories of substance abuse doesn’t end just with his daughter. He also has a step-son, Alex, who has dealt with alcohol abuse.

He said one time Alex was involved in a vehicle-related property damage accident that involved the local police, his department, investigating at his home.

During a series of events surrounding the accident, it was discovered that his step-son also was involved in breaking into a local pharmacy to steal medication. MacKenzie’s loyalties were tested between his family and his lawful duty as chief of police. He allowed and assisted the department in finding evidence that linked Alex to the burglary of the pharmacy. Alex’s mom and Robert MacKenzie’s second wife, even questioned the police chief’s involvement in the burglary case built against her son.

Robert MacKenzie said following the burglary, Alex told Robert he understood why he played a role that led to the charges. Robert MacKenzie said Alex has now been sober for seven and half years.

“I believe everything happens for a reason,” he said.

MacKenzie said he is impressed with what county officials are doing to try and curtail substance abuse in Chautauqua County. He said in Maine, he has collaborated with several community organizations to raise money for naloxone use and recovery coach training. He has also worked to breakdown the stigma of addiction in the community by getting local service organizations like rotary involved in education people about dependence.