Shown from left to right: Maine Elks Association President Michael Hannigan, Chief Matthew Cummings, Presque Isle Elks Exalted Ruler Tina Dougherty, Maine Drug Awareness Program State Director Anthony Gause, and Presque Isle Drug Awareness Program Chairman Alan Harding.
On the evening of June 12 I had the distinct honor and pleasure of being present when the Enrique “Kiki” Camarena award was presented to Fort Fairfield Police chief Matthew Cummings during a session of the Fort Fairfield Town Council.
This award is offered by the BPOE to recognize and honor the efforts of a law enforcement officer in each state who has made a significant contribution in the field of drug abuse prevention. Such officers demonstrate Enrique’s belief that one person can make a difference.
Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was an 11–year veteran Agent of the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), who was kidnapped, brutally tortured and then murdered in Mexico in 1985. Prior to serving with the DEA, Agent Camarena was a firefighter, a criminal investigator, and a narcotics officer. He was a loving husband and a father of three children. His death has inspired millions of Americans to lead a drug-free life. The Elks celebrate his commitment to this effort with an annual award. Each year, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks presents the Enrique S. Camarena Award to a member of law enforcement who best exemplifies the qualities and principles for which Agent Camarena gave his life.
This presentation is the result of a lot of hard work by Alan Harding, Presque Isle Lodge #1954 Drug Awareness chairman, and Anthony Gause, Augusta Lodge #964 and our state association Drug Awareness chairman. The Enrique Camarena award is offered annually based on the recommendation of local law enforcement departments. It is the duty of each Lodge to encourage and assist local law enforcement entities to participate and nominate an officer. If you need more information, Anthony and Alan are always available and ready to help out.
Also present were Presque Isle Exalted Ruler Tina Dougherty, special assistant to the state drug awareness program Danielle Jones of Skowhegan-Madison Lodge #2531, and Mary Harding of Presque Isle Lodge #1954.
Mike Hanigan
MEA President 2024-25