Local CBP officer receives prestigious Kiki Camarena Salazar Award

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A local Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer got a major honor Thursday. Law enforcement officers and Elks members gathered to honor the recipient of the Kiki Camarena Salazar Award.

"It's such an honorable award to have received the Camarena Award. I'm very, very grateful, and thank you all very much," Officer Adriana Prad of CBP said.

The Elks Lodge Number 476 in Yuma presented Officer Prad with the prestigious award.

Camarena was a DEA agent raised in Calexico, California. He was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in Mexico in 1985 by members of the Guadalajara Cartel. His legacy continues to inspire drug-free living, and the Elks honor that commitment through this annual award.

Jody Brandt, leading knight officer for the Elks, said, "It's about recognizing officers all over the states. It's a very big deal in today’s world. These guys deserve it. They're out here every day putting their lives on the line."

The Camarena Award is presented to law enforcement members who best exemplify the qualities and principles for which Agent Camarena gave his life.

Prad has exemplified these qualities and has graciously donated her award money to the Humane Society of Yuma.

"I am very happy because they're constantly needing donations, and just to be able to help out a little bit means a lot. I feel very happy," Prad said.

The Camarena Award not only celebrates Officer Prad’s work, but also keeps Camarena's legacy alive.