Westlake DARE Officer Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Westlake Police Ptlm. Ken Delfing received the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the D.A.R.E. Association of Ohio on Aug. 2. The award was given in acknowledgement of Delfing's 23 years as a D.A.R.E. officer and 18 years as a trainer of aspiring D.A.R.E. officers. 

Delfing was previously honored as the 2002 Ohio D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year. He was 2006-07 President of the D.A.R.E. Association and was awarded a Lifetime Association membership in 2008. 

Delfing has been with Westlake Police Department since 1987. He had prior police service with the Olmsted Falls Police Department and previous corrections experience with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office. 

"Thousands of Westlake children now lead safer, happier, and healthier lives, thanks to Ptlm. Delfing’s dedication to keeping them safe from the temptations of drugs and alcohol," a press release issued by the Westlake Police Department said. "Those critical, initial, and positive contacts with Ptlm. Delfing also created a bond that is remembered every time a child asked another policeman, 'Do you know Officer Delfing?'”

A graduate of North Olmsted High School, Delfing holds an associate degree in Law Enforcement from Cuyahoga Community College. He is married with two adult children.