The war on drugs is fought at every level in the United States, from the upper echelons of the federal government to elementary school classrooms, but during Red Ribbon Week students and officials alike commemorate the sacrifice of one man and pledge to strive for a drug-free future.

Close your eyes and picture a police officer in the United States. Is it a vision of a male officer in blues, badge glinting in the flashing lights of a squad car? How about a female in a jumpsuit and headset in the cockpit of a helicopter, blades whirring overhead?