10/23/2025
At last Wednesday's regular city council meeting, the Gardiner Elk's Lodge Tammy Pierce, who serves as the Exalted Ruler, presented information on Red Ribbon week. The "Red Ribbon Campaign" is an annual national drug prevention campaign that takes place from October 23–31. The campaign honors the memory of DEA Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who was killed in the line of duty, and promotes drug-free lifestyles, especially among youth.
What it is: An annual drug prevention campaign that includes events, education, and activities.
When it is: October 23–31 every year.
Why it's called "Red Ribbon": It honors DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who was murdered in 1985.
Purpose: To educate the public about the dangers of illegal drug use and to encourage a commitment to living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
First responders' involvement: Law enforcement and first responders, like police officers and the military, often participate in Red Ribbon Week by visiting schools and hosting events to support drug prevention education.
Red Ribbon Week is a drug prevention campaign that occurs the last week of October, not a first responder-specific month. The Elk's Lodge will be giving both the Police and Fire Department's pizza during that week and Gardiner Rotary will be hosting them for breakfast on Thursday October 23.
PROCLAMATION
Red Ribbon Week and National First Responders Day
October 23 – 31, 2025
WHEREAS, alcohol and drug use affect individuals, families, and communities across the nation; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that visible, unified efforts by community members be launched to prevent drug use; and
WHEREAS, Red Ribbon Week offers citizens the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to drug-free lifestyles; and
WHEREAS, Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated in communities across the nation on October 23-31; and
WHEREAS, businesses, government, law enforcement, media, health care providers, religious institutions, schools, and other community-based organizations will demonstrate their commitment to healthy, drug-free lifestyles by wearing red ribbons and participating in drug use prevention activities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gardiner supports the Gardiner Elks Club, MSAD #11 and Healthy Communities of the Capital Area in their successful promotion of Red Ribbon Week;
WHEREAS, the City of Gardiner is deeply grateful for the work of our first responders, Gardiner Police, Fire, and Ambulance services, in preventing, responding, and combating drug use in our community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, I, Patricia Hart, Mayor, along with the City Council do hereby proclaim October 23-31, as Red Ribbon Week, and we dedicate October 28th, 2025, as National First Responders Day in the City, recognizing the important work of our public safety teams.
Adopted this 15th day of October 2025 by the Gardiner City Council.