The Maine Elks Association, in conjunction with the Bath Police Department, is pleased to announce that Det. Marc Brunelle has been selected as the Maine Elks Association’s nominee for the National Enrique “Kiki” Camerena Award.

This award has been established by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks to recognize and honor law enforcement officers who have made a significant contribution in the field of drug prevention and who personify Agent Camarena’s belief that “One person can make a difference.”

Brunelle will be formally recognized for his nomination for this award by members of the Maine Elks Association at the Bath City Council meeting on June 1.

Brunelle was recommended for this award by the command staff of the Bath Police Department. The nomination letter was submitted by his supervisor, Detective Sergeant Andrew Booth. His entry for this recognition was sponsored by the officers and members of the Bath Lodge of Elks No. 934.

Among criteria for the award, individual law enforcement professionals must be a positive role model committed to a healthy lifestyle, have made an outstanding contribution in the field of drug awareness and prevention and have gone beyond the normal responsibilities of their position.

Brunelle began his law-enforcement career with the Bath Police Department in 1996, moved up through the ranks and was promoted to detective in 2012.

Brunelle has been teaching the DARE program since 2003. He also is in charge of the DARE Fair which funds the program as well as a rafting and hiking trip in the summer for kids.

He has served as a neighborhood officer, school resource officer and has received several awards throughout his career.

“Marc is a well-rounded officer,” said Bath Police Chief Mike Field. “He has dedicated his career to helping people, especially kids. I am very proud to see him be the recipient of this distinguished award.”

“The Maine Elks are proud to recognize the efforts of Detective Brunelle and all members of the law enforcement community that work diligently on behalf of all of us for a drug-free society,” said Donald Piper, the immediate Past President of the Maine Elks Association.

Anthony Gause, chairman of the Maine Elks Association’s Drug Awareness Program, said he was impressed when he reviewed Brunelle’s nomination. “We had excellent nominees this past year,” Gause said. “However, Detective Brunelle’s work history and dedication in the field of drug awareness/ prevention were the deciding factors in forwarding his name as the Maine Elks Association’s nominee for national recognition.”

“We are very proud to have the opportunity to sponsor such a dedicated officer for this national recognition,” said David Merrill, Bath Elks Lodge past president. “We are proud of his accomplishments and very pleased to have an officer of his caliber working for the people of Bath.”

The award is named in honor of Enrique Camarena, who grew up in a dirt-floor house with the hopes and dreams of making a difference. As a young man he worked his way through college, served in the Marine Corps and became a police officer.

When he decided to join the United States Drug Enforcement Administration he told his mother, “I’m only one person, but I want to make a difference. On Feb. 7, 1985, he gave his life trying to make a difference.

He was murdered by the Mexican Drug cartel, while investigating drug trafficking into the United States. He was kidnapped, brutally tortured and killed. His death precipitated the start of the Red Ribbon Campaign that Elks celebrate each year during October in his honor. The Red Ribbon Campaign was started by the Camarena family and friends as a tribute to Agent Camarena. However, it also serves as a reminder to all of us about the dangers of substance abuse.

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