[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 152 (Tuesday, August 31, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E940-E941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING DAN FLORES AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 31, 2021

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Council 
Bluffs Police Officer Lt. Dan Flores as Iowan of the Week. Dan has 
lived in Council Bluffs since 1981 and has become a staple in his 
community. Dan has committed himself to helping others throughout his 
career with the Council Bluffs Police Department, through his work with 
Centro Latino advocacy, and during his continued service directing the 
Iowa Western Community College security force.
  Dan knew he wanted to join law enforcement since middle school. He 
would go on to receive his Bachelor's Degree from Minnesota State at 
Mankato after completing a 2-year degree at North Iowa Community 
College. He was the first in his family to obtain a four-year degree. 
After his college graduation, he joined the Council Bluffs Police 
Department where he served for thirty-six years. During that time, Dan 
became a positive influence within the Police Department and the 
community at large. As a detective, Dan is proud to have worked on 
cases that made the community safer. Dan strengthened police programs 
such as the Chaplain Corp and the drug take-back program.
  In addition to his police service, Dan sought out another way to give 
back to his community. In 2015, Dan joined the Board of Directors for 
Centro Latino in Council Bluffs, a non-profit organization focused on 
Hispanic/Latino community building. Dan was drawn to Centro Latino 
thinking about how his ancestors would have benefited from an 
organization like Centro Latino. During his time with the organization, 
Centro Latino has seen strong growth. With a larger operating budget 
and staff, Centro Latino continues to provide community resources for 
the Southwest Iowa Hispanic/Latino community. Next month Centro Latino 
is looking forward to an open house at their learning center, and 
hosting Latino Festival 2021 on September 25th. Dan is also looking 
forward to keeping up with Centro Latino's future successes.
  After retiring from the police department in 2017, Dan looked for an 
opportunity to get involved with Iowa Western Community College where 
several members of his family had attended. He serves as Director of 
Safety and Security for the College, safeguarding the campus and 
students. His current involvement

[[Page E941]]

with IWCC has additional meaning for Dan, as he took his police academy 
training at Iowa Western in 1982. Dan very much looks forward to 
continuing to assist students as they continue their education in the 
fall and beyond.
  Dan's commitment to others through his service and advocacy deserves 
special recognition. It is my pleasure to honor Dan Flores as Iowan of 
the Week.

                          ____________________