Federal Bureau of Investigation
4200 Luecking Park Ave NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107
Phone: (505) 889-1300
FAX: (505) 889-1769

Released by/Refer Inquires to:
William A. Elwell
Special Agent – Media Representative
(505) 889-1660

Thomas C. McClenaghan/Special Agent In Charge
Scott O’Neal/Assistant Special Agent In Charge
Robert Evans/Assistant Special Agent In Charge

On Thursday, January 25, 2007, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Thomas C. McClenaghan, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Albuquerque Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will award the 2006 Director’s Community Leadership Award to the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department, Drug Assistance Reduction Education (D.A.R.E.) Program. The award will be presented by SAC McClenaghan at the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, 750 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, New Mexico 88007.

Since 1990, the FBI has publicly recognized the achievements of individuals and organizations within the areas of drug and violence education and prevention by presenting them with the Director’s Community Leadership Award. For 2006, the FBI will again present this award and also include those individuals and organizations actively involved in terrorism, crime, gang and violence prevention and education.

In May 1991, the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department established the D.A.R.E Program to strengthen community relationships and combat crime. Originally, the program was coordinated by one full-time officer, Deputy Jim Beasley, who partnered with several schools with New Mexico’s Gadsden School District. Over the past fifteen years, Deputy Beasley had dedicated his career to the success of the program. It is the area’s most effective drug prevention initiative and continues with D.A.R.E. being offered to all county elementary schools. In addition, the program has been adopted by three southern New Mexico school districts (Las Cruces, Hatch, and Gadsden), and six Dona Ana County officers are currently assigned to teach D.A.R.E. curriculum.

As a result of Deputy Beasley’s service as the President of the New Mexico D.A.R.E. Officers Association, National D.A.R.E. Instructor Advisory Committee member, and the State’s D.A.R.E Training Coordinator, the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department has become a lead agency in the promotion and continuation of D.A.R.E. in New Mexico. In addition, fellow Dona Ana County officer, Sergeant Ronnie Granados and Deputy Alan Franzoy, have donated their time and expertise to enhance and promote the program within the state of New Mexico. With the support of Dona Ana County’s Sheriff, Todd Garrison, the department is in the process of establishing the agency as a permanent training facility for New Mexico D.A.R.E. Officers.

Support by local communities, educators, business leaders, and parents, has allowed the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department to continue to expand their comprehensive drug deterrence program. New initiatives include a literacy program, youth rodeo, and Gang Reduction Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program for high school students.

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