Carson City Sheriff Furlong awarded DARE, DEA America Law Enforcement Executive of Year

Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong is the winner of the 2015 DEA, DARE Law Enforcement Executive of the Year, officials announced Monday.

Francisco X. Pegueros, President and CEO of DARE America and Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Los Angeles Field Division Anthony D. Williams made the announcement. The coveted award is given to a senior law enforcement officer who epitomizes an extraordinary commitment to drug prevention and enforcement.

The award has been given annually since 2000. Sheriff Furlong joins an elite group of sheriffs and chiefs of police to be honored by selection to receive this award.

"Sheriff Furlong is a man of vision, action and results-a sheriff who walks his community with tremendous compassion and love-always expecting to improve the quality of life," said Williams.

"I have known Sheriff Furlong for a number of years. I can think of no one more deserving for this honor," said Pegueros. "Sheriff Furlong has set a standard of commitment to public service which all law enforcement officials should strive to emulate. Sheriff Furlong’s dedication to the youth of Carson City and support for DARE is greatly appreciated.”

The award includes $1000 to be used for a program designated by the recipient.

Sheriff Furlong will be presented the award by a senior executive of the DEA and Franciso Pegueros at the annual DARE America International Conference in New Orleans, Aug. 4-6.

Carson City Sheriff’s Office is honored to be receiving such a prestigious award and considers it to be a community achievement — a direct result of a team effort, said Carson City Undersheriff Steve Albertsen.

“The Carson City School District has been a huge part of the success of the local DARE program,” said Albertsen in a news release. “Without the support of the teachers who share their classroom time, school administrators who help organize graduation ceremonies, parents, and of course the students, we would not be enjoying the success we are today.”

Businesses such as Grocery Outlet, the Downtown Business Association, and Northern Nevada Coin have regularly donated to the program. Additionally, civic organizations including the Emblem Club, the Elks, and the Eagles have also given financial and volunteer support. This truly is a community award.

The DARE program was reinstated by Sheriff Furlong during his first term in office. Since that time, the prevention and enforcement efforts made by Carson City Sheriff’s Office have been recognized statewide. Funding has been received for training through the Nevada Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Assistance. Federal Justice Assistance Grants have also helped supplement the purchase of materials and classroom supplies.

The Sheriff’s award follows the several other recognitions the department has received specifically for the DARE program," said Albertsen. "Deputy Lisa Davis is known as the 'Pied Piper' of youth because of the relationships she has formed with many students in the schools.”

In 2011 and 2012, Deputy Lisa Davis, DARE Officer was selected as the “DARE Officer of the Year” often considered a lifetime achievement. She is currently at the beginning of her third term as President of the Nevada DARE Officer Association.

DARE is about more than just substance abuse it is about choosing life, according to the news release. The new curriculum is called “Keepin’ It Real — DARE.” and is on the approved lists for effective programs. Students learn about the importance of making good choices, bullying, violence prevention, safety, internet use, peer pressure, and resistance strategies that can be used in any situation whether it’s stealing a candy bar or using drugs. Classes are provided in the fifth and seventy grades.

Integral to the DARE program, the Sheriff’s Office utilizes special enforcement activities and other educational opportunities to combat drugs. In all programs, Sheriff Furlong insists that there must be elements of education, enforcement and community outreach.

"The National Night Out celebration in Mills Park on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 exemplifies the programs. Unfortunately, Sheriff Furlong will miss the event this year as he will be in New Orleans receiving this award. We are thankful to everyone who steps up in Carson City to stamp out crime," the news release states.