CADET MARCOS D. JIMENEZ SELECTED FOR 2026 BILLY YOUT EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AWARD
Cadet Marcos D. Jimenez of Public Safety Cadets Unit #2252, sponsored by the Fairfax County (VA) Police Department, is the recipient of the 2026 Billy Yout Excellence in Leadership Award. Cadet Jimenez attended the Public Safety Cadets National Leadership Academy, conducted from August 01 to August 08, 2026, at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. The Mentors and staff who observed Cadet Jimenez’s performance and actions during the academy selected him for this prestigious award based on his demonstrated leadership, initiative, creativity, dedication, and future potential.
At the beginning of the National Leadership Academy, Cadet Jimenez was elected by his peers to serve as the Cadet Commander for the academy.
Cadet Jimenez was presented with an award plaque and will receive a $2,500 monetary honorarium to be used for educational expenses. Mr. Jason Pena, the 2015 recipient of the Billy Yout Excellence in Leadership Award, presented the award to Cadet Jimenez. Mr. Pena is the Legislative Director for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and focuses on law enforcement, counter-drugs, and anti-terrorism policy and legislation.
Cadet Jimenez’s name, Public Safety Cadets Unit number, and sponsoring agency will be added to a master plaque for the Billy Yout Excellence in Leadership Award that contains the name of each recipient and is displayed at the DEA Academy in Quantico, VA.
William H. Yout, affectionately known as “Billy” to his friends, family, and colleagues, served with distinction as a DEA Special Agent and Supervisory Special Agent. During his career with DEA, he was the recipient of numerous awards and commendations for his skills as a criminal investigator, undercover agent, and supervisor. Most of all, Billy was known as a great father, a kind and caring individual, and a visionary and dynamic leader who inspired people to pursue excellence. He retired from DEA on March 31, 2004, following 32 years of service as a federal law enforcement officer. Sadly, Billy passed away on August 06, 2004, after a year-long battle with brain cancer.
Billy was a staunch supporter of programs for young adults interested in a career in law enforcement and, whenever possible, volunteered to serve as a member of the DEA staff at national law enforcement conferences for youth and related activities. He was always quick with a kind word and good advice to young adults, continuously reminding them of the importance of becoming a good leader and a role model to others. Billy saw in young adults boundless potential and future leaders for the law enforcement community.
The Billy Yout Excellence in Leadership Award was established to recognize young adults who best exemplify the visionary leadership qualities that Billy demonstrated during his impressive career with DEA. Those qualities include the ability to motivate and inspire people to achieve goals and objectives; to help others develop self-confidence and self-esteem through teamwork and challenging individual assignments that build decision making skills and provide leadership experience; the capacity to show unyielding strength of character and courage tempered with compassion and empathy; the moral and ethical fortitude to make the right decision even when confronted with adversity; and exhibiting by thought and deed exceptional excellence in leadership.
Congratulations to Cadet Marcos Jimenez!
Pictured above on the right is Cadet Jimenez with the award plaque at the closing ceremony for the leadership academy. Standing to the left is Mr. Jason Pena.
