News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2003

DEA DETROIT HOSTS 15TH ANNUAL
RICK FINLEY SURVIVORS BENEFIT FUND PICNIC

SEPT 16--Detroit, MI- On September 6, 2003, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit Office held the 15th Annual Rick Finley Memorial Picnic to benefit the DEA Survivors Benefit Fund. Special Agent Rick Finley was assigned to the Detroit Office but was on special assignment when he was killed in the Line of Duty on May 20, 1989. Since that time, the DEA Detroit has held an annual golf outing and family picnic in his honor. Rick was killed in Peru while conducting jungle operations as part of Operation Snowcap, a joint Peruvian/United States effort to eradicate coca and cocaine production in South America. Since Rick Finleys death, over $200,000 has been raised for the DEA Survivors Benefit Fund in his name. These proceeds directly assist the families of DEA employees and Task Force personnel that have been killed in the line of duty and to maintain these heroes' memories.

Rick Finley's mother, Grace, has traveled from Batesville, Arkansas to Detroit for the fall picnic whenever she was able to do so. Mrs. Finley has always been extremely grateful to the current and former DEA and Task Force personnel who have made sure that Rick's memory and mission were "Never To Be Forgotten." This year's picnic featured clowns, inflatable slide and tent, pony rides and an exotic science exhibit featuring a boa constrictor, baby alligator, giant iguana and giant tree frog. Over 180 kids attended the picnic, which has become a tradition for law enforcement families in the Detroit area.

In keeping with this year's theme to remember the sacrifices of current and former public safety and military personnel, the picnic used a quote from Edmund Burke, "The Only Thing Necessary For The Triumph Of Evil Is For Good Men To Do Nothing"