This weekend, Detective Dustin Hess of the Penn Hills Police Department will make history as the first in the state of Pennsylvania to receive the Oakland Elks Lodge Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Award, a national award annually presented to an individual exemplifying excellence in law enforcement.
“It’s a great honor to stand here on behalf of the thousands of people in law enforcement to acknowledge such an outstanding accomplishment,” said DA Zappala.
DA Zappala was joined by Penn Hills Mayor Pauline Calabrese, the Pennsylvania Elks Chairman for Drug Awareness Deborah Raible and Penn Hills Police Chief Jason Bonace, all of whom offered their sincere ovations for the occasion.
Mayor Calabrese welcomed the friends, family and peers of Detective Hess to the Penn Hills Council Chambers and reminded us that police work is oftentimes a thankless job.
“Every day, our police officers are out there doing things we don’t even realize, fighting crime for us,” said Mayor Calabrese. “We thank you deeply from the bottom of our hearts that we can safely rest and go about our days because of your protection.”
On behalf of the Elks Lodge, Deborah Raible of Wilkins Township shared the award’s significant history, as it was created in memory of 11-year Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique Camarena. In 1985, Camarena was kidnapped, brutally tortured and eventually killed by the Mexican Drug Cartel.
“Each year, the benevolent and protective order of Elks presents this award to a member of law enforcement who best exemplifies the qualities and principles to which Agent Camarena gave his life,” said Raible.
Supported by the Penn Hills Police Department, Detective Hess was selected for his profound efforts in fighting against drugs and violent crime, but also for his spirited commitment to his family and serving his community, as well.
Chief Bonace has witnessed firsthand Detective Hess’s diligence and dedication throughout his career at the department, and attributes his success as an officer to a strong moral disposition.
“He operates at the highest level, and is always focused, disciplined, relentless and compassionate,” said Chief Bonace. “He believes in strengthening everyone around you, which is a quality of character you cannot teach.”
Detective Hess’s impressive patrol performance has not only helped make Penn Hills a safer place for its 42,000 residents but also shined a light on the proud work of the entire police department.
“With this recognition, we’re not just recognizing what Detective Hess has done,” said Chief Bonace. “We’re reinforcing what we believe in. We’re setting the tone for our police department, and we’re showing our beautiful community exactly what this badge means and stands for.”
Since starting at the department in 2015, Detective Hess exceeded expectations of any officer in uniform, achieving over 300 hours of traffic patrol, 27 felony drug arrests, 54 gun arrests and 52 firearms removed from the streets.
DA Zappala attested to the outstanding police work he sees daily throughout the county, which rarely reaches the public’s perception.
“Every day these men and women are regularly demonstrating great acts of heroism, running towards situations anyone else would run away from,” said DA Zappala. “The public doesn’t always see that, but they see the dangerous people and situations you are faced with and you deserve more credit.”
DA Zappala then invited Detective Hess, his wife Caitlyn and their three sons to stand as he presented the proclamation on behalf of the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, commending years of work well-done, remarkable personal qualities and an honorable fidelity to family.
Detective Hess graciously expressed gratitude to those who have supported his career and takes pride in working alongside many other admirable officers.
“This award is not just for myself, but for all the proactive police officers that are out there doing this job the right way,” said Detective Hess.
On Sunday, July 5, 2026, Detective Hess and his family will attend the Elks National Convention in Chicago, where he will officially accept the 2026-2027 Enrique Camarena Award.
