CRIME WATCH: RED RIBBONS PART OF FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS

This weekly column is supplied by Citizens' Crime Watch of Miami-Dade and is intended to provide information that will help readers in their efforts to be safe.

This past week, Citizens' Crime Watch held its 31st annual Board meeting to select members of our Executive Board and our Board of Directors. The meeting was held at the Fire Fighters Tower, with breakfast sponsored by the Miccosukee Tribe -- one of our partners -- and Chief David Ward, an Executive Board member.

The event was attended by more than 100 police officers and crime watchers. A proclamation declaring October Crime Prevention Month was presented by the office of County Commission Chairman Joe Martinez, who is a member of our board. We also received a visit from state Sen. Walter ''Skip'' Campbell of Fort Lauderdale, who brought a message of support for our crime prevention programs.

An award was presented to Officer Ted Peterson, of Miami-Dade police Community Affairs, who is retiring this year, for his many years working with our organization.

I would also like to thank Mr. Robbie Woods, manager of the Fire Fighters Tower, and his staff for helping us make this event successful.

Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. It generally takes place the last full week in October and this year it will be celebrated Oct. 23-31.

Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by DEA Special Agent Enrique ''Kiki'' Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe.

Here is the story behind the symbol.

Camarena grew up in a dirt-floor house with hopes and dreams of making a difference. He worked his way through college, served in the U.S. Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out of it. ''I can't not do this,'' he told her. ``I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference.''

The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him into a car. A month later, his body was found in a shallow grave. He had been tortured to death.

Within weeks of Camarena's death, in March 1985, his congressman, Duncan Hunter, and his high school friend, Henry Lozano, started the first Camarena Club in Imperial Valley, Calif., his hometown. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifice made by Camarena and others. These coalitions began to wear red badges of satin -- red ribbons -- to honor Camarena's memory.

The Red Ribbon Campaign also became a symbol of support for the DEA's efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and education programs. By wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October, Americans pay homage not only to Camarena but also to all who have died in support of our nation's struggle against drug trafficking and abuse.

This is a very busy week for our Youth Crime Watch coordinators, because many schools will be sponsoring programs, events and presentations. This is a good time for parents to participate in a school activity.

We can all teach our children to ''Say No to Drugs'' but actions are louder than words if you join your child in this very important event.