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ESTHERVILLE -- An Estherville police officer who volunteered his own time to mentor young people earned a prestigious award for his commitment to reducing drug abuse, the United States Attorney's Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa and the Drug Enforcement Administration announced on Tuesday.
Capt. Nathaniel Dunlavy, of the Estherville Police Department, has been honored with the Enrique S. Camarena Award.
Dunlavy has spent over a decade as the DARE officer for Estherville schools. During that time, he expanded the program to include all students in kindergarten through fifth grade. He also started teaching refresher courses in middle and high school.
"Capt. Dunlavy is dedicated to educating students about the risks of drugs and substance abuse," said Peter E. Deegan Jr., U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. "By his actions, he has demonstrated that engaging with young people and being a positive role model is key to ensuring students remain drug-free."
Dunlavy volunteered thousands of hours of his own time to teach, coach and mentor hundreds of youth.
"Capt. Dunlavy's commitment to students as a school resource officer, DARE program leader, coach, mentor and friend exemplify the beliefs of fallen DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena," said Darin Thimmesch, DEA Omaha Division acting special agent in charge. "Kiki strongly believed that one person could make a difference in the life of another and Capt. Dunlavy has proven that true time and time again. On behalf of DEA, we thank Capt. Dunlavy for his service and encouragement to future generations to live a drug-free life."
Enrique "Kiki" Camarena was an 11-year veteran agent of the DEA who lost his life while working undercover. Camarena was kidnapped, brutally tortured and murdered in Mexico while gathering information and evidence about drug lords.
Deegan presented Dunlavy with the award on Tuesday.