A Ketchikan man received an award from the FBI for his work with vulnerable youth in the community and across Alaska. Dustin Larna is the CEO of Residential Youth Care in Ketchikan, a non-profit long term treatment center that houses youth from across the state struggling with mental or behavioral issues.
Larna was one of 56 people in the country presented the Director’s Community Leadership Award. He was recognized by the Bureau’s director Christopher Wray during a ceremony at FBI Headquarters in Washington DC. Each of the 56 FBI field offices nominates one recipient.
“It was interesting how formal things were at the FBI building,” joked Larna, who traveled to DC for the award. “Everybody had to have a background check. And as you can imagine, it’s pretty structured there. But it was a cool ceremony, and really fun to learn about all of the other folks receiving the award.”
The FBI stated in a press release that Larna was given the award for his service to the people of Alaska and “dedication to the safety and well-being of vulnerable youth.”
For Larna, the greatest reward is bumping into people in the community that were helped by his non-profit. “I love the work that I get to do. I’ve been doing this for quite a while here. And people often say, ‘wow, that’s really challenging work.’ And I don’t really see it that way anymore. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to work with young people and provide them with support and opportunities and see how that can change their trajectory in life,” he said.
The FBI also cited the work Larna and his team have done to support law enforcement in combating human trafficking and internet crimes against children in Alaska.
Anchorage Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day said that Larna’s work with victims of crimes against children has had a lasting impact on public safety for vulnerable youth across the state.
