Enrique S. Camarena Award

Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was an 11-year veteran agent of the DEA. He was kidnapped, brutally tortured, and finally murdered by the Mexican Drug Cartel in 1985. He was a loving husband and father of three children. His death has inspired millions of Americans to lead a drug-free life and the Elks DAP celebrate his commitment to this effort with an annual award.

October is Red Ribbon Month, a time when people wear the Red Ribbon to commemorate Agent Camarena’s sacrifice. The millions who wear these ribbons visibly take a stand to say: “We are opposed to illicit drugs; we take a stand against legalization efforts; and we commemorate all of the individuals who have been tragically affected by the results of use and abuse.”

Each year, the BPOE, through the Drug Awareness Program, presents the Enrique S. Camarena Award to a member of the law enforcement community who best exemplifies the qualities and principles for which Agent Camarena gave his life. Nominees should be involved in their communities in an effort to help that community become drug-free. Nominees must have the support of their Agency and the respect of their community.

Nominees for this award start at the local Lodge level. The completed applications are then forwarded to the State DAP Chair. State Chairs then select the best nominee from their State and forward that nomination on to the DAP Directors. The National winner will then be selected in January and the

Criteria

• This Award should be presented to an individual and not an organization. Consideration may be given to a “team” within an organization, however ideally the Award should go to an individual.
• All nominations must be accompanied by the official Elks Nomination Form.
• The nominee should be living; however, consideration will be given to presenting the Award posthumously.
• The nominee should be involved in law enforcement.
• The nominee should be a positive role model and committed to a healthy lifestyle.
• The nominee should have made, or is making, an outstanding contribution in the field of drug awareness, prevention, or enforcement.
• Ideally, the nominee is someone who has been identified as having gone “above and beyond” their normal duties – someone who has made a difference.
• The nominee must have the support of their supervisors.
• If selected, the nominee must be willing to attend an awards ceremony.
• Nominations must be presented in narrative form and include endorsements & recommendations from appropriate sources (Departments, Governments, Citizens, Schools etc.).
• Nomination packets should include information regarding how the individual has helped youth and families.
• The nominee should possess leadership and organizational skills.
• Nomination packet should include a list of the individual’s previous awards and accomplishments.
• Lastly, the nominee should exemplify the standards by which “Kiki” lived, worked, and died: “That one person can make a difference.”

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