MERIDIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEDIA ADVISORY: Thursday, May 20, 2021
CONTACT: Stephany Galbreaith, Public Information Officer, [email protected]
Meridian Officer Recognized for his Leadership and Dedication with State Award
WHO: Idaho State Elks Association, Meridian School Resource Officer Leroy Sunada, Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea, and Pathways Principal Dr. Eschen.
WHAT: The Idaho State Elks Association Drug Awareness Program will present the Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Award to Meridian School Resource Officer Leroy Sunada.
WHEN: Thursday, June 3, 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Caldwell Elks Lodge (1015 North Kimball Ave, Caldwell) In-person attendance is welcomed, those interested can also watch the award presentation live
HERE.
The Idaho State Elks Association Drug Awareness Program will present the Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Award to a Meridian Police Officer for his dedication and desire to make a difference in the community. The Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena Award is in honor of 11-year veteran DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena who was kidnapped, brutally tortured and murdered by the Mexican Drug Cartel in 1985. As a loving husband and a father of three children, he dedicated his life to drug prevention and education. Since his death, his legacy has inspired millions of Americans to lead a drug-free life and his memory celebrated by this annual award.
Each year, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, through the Drug Awareness Program, 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 year, that officer is Meridian School Resource Officer Leroy Sunada.
Officer Sunada has been a Meridian Police Officer for fifteen (15) years, and serves as the School Resource Officer to six schools in Meridian. Officer Sunada’s efforts to help keep youth drug-free through his involvement with the Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition, along with the respect he holds with the community and Meridian Police Department, made him the strongest and most fitting candidate to receive this honor.
“Nominations for this award come to the Idaho State Elks from all over the state. After great consideration, the State Chairs select the best nominee to represent Idaho,” said Idaho State Elks Association Trustee and State Drug Awareness Chair Susan Stertz. “It is with great privilege that I present this award to Officer Sunada this year.”
Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea will also attend the award ceremony and show his support for Officer Sunada. “While every officer is here to serve the community, Officer Sunada is one of those officers who stands out. He has always put others before him in his service to our kids, schools and community,” said Chief Basterrechea. “Being awarded the Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena Award is just one more indication of the positive impact Leroy has on some of our most vulnerable members of our community.”
*Those with the media who are planning to attend the event should contact Stephany Galbreaith, Public Information Officer, as soon as possible.
Additional details on the Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition: The Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition's mission is to strengthen our community through substance abuse prevention. The coalition has more than 30 active members, dedicated to building Meridian into a drug free community where people can safely live, work and raise a family. For more information, visit
www.meridianmadc.org.
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The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement. The department has 128 police officers and 40 civilian staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family.
