Lancaster, NY - The Western New York Chemical Dependency Consortium Gold Key Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to Michael Licata of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office on November 15, 2013.   

• Nominated by Preventionfocus
• Coordinator of the Public Awareness is Prevention Program
• Has worked to prevent the abuse of alcohol and other drugs for over 32 years
• Has received many awards including the OJJDP Officer of the Year for work in Substance Abuse Field, Erie 1 BOCES Challenge Commendation Award, International Narcotics Officers Association Special Award of Honor, New York State Division of Substance Abuse Certificate of Appreciation, Drug Enforcement Administration Commendation Award, Erie County Sheriff’s Office Commendation Awards, National Crime Prevention Achievement Award, and others
• Has worked with just about every school in Erie County over the course of his career facilitating curriculum, presenting to students in individual classrooms or large assemblies, speaking to parents and teachers, and orchestrating mock crash scenes and other large special events
• He has made literally thousands of presentations to thousands of people on topics related to substance abuse
• Has championed the use of environmental prevention strategies using mass media to change social norms about underage drinking. His efforts have brought about the placement of over 3,000 billboards, hundreds of print appearances, and millions of PSA plays in area movie theaters
• He has worked with DEA, FBI, and 26 other law enforcement agencies on hundreds of drug diversion programs and other efforts to decrease the local availability of drugs
• For three decades, he has served as a bridge between law enforcement and substance abuse prevention efforts, bringing about greater impacts on alcohol and other drug abuse in our communities

 We would like to thank Michael Licata for dedication to the field of Substance and Alcohol Abuse Prevention and citizens of Erie County.