A decorated police officer in Walnutport has been recognized for his latest accolade.

Sgt. Jason Nothstein recently received a certificate from the International Association of Chiefs of Police for his work as a drug recognition expert.

Borough police Chief Pete Wayda said at Thursday’s borough council meeting that the certificate was on behalf of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Drug Evaluation and Classification Program to acknowledge and congratulate Nothstein on over 10 years of service as a Drug Recognition Expert.

Wayda said Nothstein has received several commendations for valor as one of the first municipal police officers to be certified as a drug recognition expert in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Nothstein has been a certified Drug Recognition Expert since 2011, and a certified Drug Recognition Expert Instructor since 2015.

Since that time, he has conducted 502 Drug Influence Evaluations.

Nothstein has also received the Top Gun award through the Pennsylvania DUI Association three times for conducting 50 or more evaluations in a year.

The certificate, signed by Jim Maisano, National Drug Evaluation and Classification Manager, notes “This is an outstanding career milestone, and we honor you for your service and contribution to your state’s Drug Evaluation and Classification Program, as well as the international program. Your commitment and dedication serve as an example for all other Drug Recognition Experts.”

It goes on to state that “the International Association of Chiefs of Police, along with many other partners, are committed to reducing impaired driving and the needless deaths, injuries, and property damage caused by impaired drivers. Your service symbolizes the time, commitment, and dedication to the growth and success of the Drug Evaluation Classification Program and the goals of the mission.”

Joined by his wife and son, Nothstein shared after the meeting what the certificate meant to him.

“Receiving this letter from the organization means a lot to me because they acknowledging the commitment that I have put into not only the program, but also to remove as many impaired drivers off the roadway that I could possibly can,” Nothstein said.

Nothstein has been with the Walnutport Police Department since 2000 and was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2013.