The assistant police chief of the Iowa Tribe Police Department was recently awarded “Oklahoma Instructor of the Year” from L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence), according to a press release from L.E.A.D.
Charles Danker was given the award at L.E.A.D.’s 10th annual 21st Century Drug and Violence Prevention Training Conference in Atlantic City. He’s been teaching the program to sixth to ninth grade students at Ripley Middle School, Perkins-Tryon Middle School, Carney High School and Perkins-Tryon High School.
He said what he enjoys the most is making a positive impact on the students.
“Just like children make memories with their families growing up, they make memories with their L.E.A.D. officers in the classroom,” he said. “Through the critical topics we’re teaching them that’ll help to prevent them from going down a bad path with alcohol, drugs or violence, we’re shaping the trajectory of their lives.”
Danker added that for many students, this could be the first time they’re seeing law enforcement in a positive setting. Many enjoyed the program so much that they were upset when it ended and wanted to know if it would continue. He said while it was sad to see the students upset, he felt special knowing that the experience was that enjoyable for them.
“It’s extremely rewarding to run into the children in town and see them nudge their mom and dad, telling them that I was their L.E.A.D. instructor and taught them all these awesome things,” Danker said. “We’ve come out as new mentors for the kids, and I look forward to seeing a further impact on our community as we continue to teach the program.”
Nick DeMauro, CEO of L.E.A.D., said they are thrilled that Danker is part of the program and that his award was well deserved.
“His dedication towards teaching students in Lincoln and Payne County about the importance of drug and violence prevention is helping us to continue accomplishing our goal of strengthening police-community relationships,” he said.
According to the press release, L.E.A.D. is a law enforcement-focused, anti-violence curriculum designed for K-12 students in the U.S. It is taught over 10 weeks to educate students on making wise decisions that avoid involvement in drugs or violence.
It’s celebrating 10 years providing the services “On the Street” and “In the Classroom”. The second program is taught by 6,000 trained instructors in 47 states, serving more than 500,000 students in 2,500 school systems.