The Taylorville Police Department is recognizing one of their own this week. Officer Christian Nelson has won on the district level for the Enrique Camarena Award presented by the Elks. Chief Dwayne Wheeler nominated Officer Nelson for the award in September. Chief Wheeler says that Officer Nelson has proven to be an asset to fight the war on drugs and he is proud to see Taylorville’s Police Department name on the award. 

The East Central District Elks announced that Officer Nelson would continue on at the state level. The award is given to a member of law enforcement who best exemplifies the qualities and principles that were set forth by Agent Camarena. Camarena was a DEA agent who lost his life in 1985 when he was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in Mexico. 

Nominees were selected who were involved in their communities in efforts to make them drug-free and have the support of their agency and respect of their community. State selection is held in December with the National Selection held in January. The National winner is invited to attend a National Ceremony along with the sponsoring agent who will also receive an award.