Enrique Camarena Award for Drug Prevention

Recognition award honoring law enforcement officers who are positive role models committed to a healthy lifestyle and have made outstanding contributions to drug awareness and prevention efforts.

Geographic Scope: Connecticut and national (state winners considered for Grand Lodge recognition)

Focus Areas: Drug awareness and prevention; law enforcement excellence

Eligibility: Law enforcement officers who:

• Are positive role models
• Are committed to a healthy lifestyle
• Have gone beyond normal responsibilities of their position
• Have made outstanding contributions in drug awareness and prevention

Background: The award is named after DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, who was killed by the Sinaloa Cartel in 1987. It was instituted by the DEA in cooperation with the Camarena family and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Recognition: Connecticut recipients are featured at a reception, the Connecticut Elks Convention, and selected recipients are honored at the Grand Lodge Convention

Administration: Connecticut State Drug Awareness Program (DAP) Chair; nominations submitted through individual lodges

Application Process

• Nomination Required: Application must be accompanied by a letter of support from the police chief on department letterhead
• Letter Content: Must delineate why the officer should be a Camarena Award nominee
• Submission: Through local Elks lodge Drug Awareness Program chairpersons
• Deadline: November 30 annually