Johnny Sides Rookie of the Year is selected from nominations made by supervisors in the department.  Selection is based on an employee’s overall performance for the year in such areas as work record, commendations, awards recieved and civic activities.  The Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce selects the Rookie of the Year from three nominations presented by the Meritorious Conduct Board.

Cruz is assigned as a telecommunications specialist within the coast guard Greater Antilles Section.  His pirmary duties and focus however, have been on drug awareness programs, specifically “Think About It”.

In 1995, Cruz designed, developed and implemented his “Think About It” drug awareness program.  Since that time, his program has grown into THE program to use in educating middle and high school students on drug abuse prevention.

Today Cruz’s program consists of three formatted presentations: one aimed at elementary school children, another targeting pre-teen and teenagers, and one designed specifically to deucate parents, teachers, and supervisors.  His program has been applauded by such organizations as the FBI, DEA, U.S. Customs Service and the Federal Bureau of Prisons as the most effective drug educaiton program on the island of Puerto Rico.  The Governor’s Office of Youth Affairs has featured Cruz as a guest speaker at local events throughout the island.