(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — Ahead of Red Ribbon Week, which officially kicks off next Wednesday, Oct. 23, and highlights the importance of living a drug-free life, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Rocky Mountain Field Division (DEA RMFD) is partnering with the Colorado National Guard to bring an experience unlike any other to schools across Colorado.
On Thursday, Oct. 17, members from the DEA RMFD, along with crews from the National Guard stopped by three elementary schools in El Paso County, landing at each in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
“We are visiting two to three schools a day to spread drug awareness, to reach these kids at a young age, and to share with them the importance of making healthy decisions,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge of DEA RMFD David Olesky.
FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe got an exclusive look at the helicopter’s landing at each of the three elementary schools, which included; Webster, Venetucci, and Sunrise Elementary.
“At DEA, yes, our priority is drug enforcement and taking those off the streets most responsible for putting poisons into our communities, but we’re not going to do it alone,” said Olesky. “We have to reach kids, we have to spread the word of drug awareness and the dangers of drugs.”
Throughout October, both agencies will visit more than 40 schools across the state including several stops in Southern Colorado.
“We also highlight the Red Ribbon campaign, which is centered around the loss of one of our DEA agents many years ago, who lost his life in the service of our nation and DEA,” he said.
According to the DEA, Red Ribbon Week began more than 30 years ago following the death of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a special agent who was killed by drug traffickers. High school students from his hometown in Calexico, California began wearing red ribbons to commemorate him and his sacrifice, which has since turned into an annual initiative.
Red Ribbon Week is celebrated every year from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31 and students, school officials, and law enforcement, just to name a few, will show their commitment to living a healthy, drug-free life by wearing or displaying a red ribbon.
“Each one of the students took a pledge [Thursday] morning about making healthy choices and bringing drug awareness to their friends and being there for their families and spreading the word,” said Olesky. “It’s so important to see and reach all the kids and students here in the community and see the smiles on their faces.”
Olesky said the fly-ins offer a unique opportunity for the DEA and National Guard to connect with the younger generations.
“We partner both on the enforcement side and the outreach side,” said Olesky of the DEA’s partnership with the National Guard. “Obviously, they have been our transportation into each of these schools, which makes it even more memorable for everyone.”
Olesky added that one of Thursday’s events was made extra special for one of the National Guard members on board.
“One of the pilots, who flew us in today, actually was a student at one of the schools and I think that really resonates with the students here, that they see someone that they can strive to be someday in their lives and in their futures,” he said. “To me, it’s one of the most meaningful things that I do in my job… and why I personally got involved in drug law enforcement.”
Deputies with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office along with fire crews from the Security Fire Department were also part of Thursday’s events.
