The California Narcotic Officers' Association (CNOA) has named Assemblyman Benoit as their Legislator of the Year.  Benoit was presented the award at the headquarters of the Coachella Valley Drug Task force, a unit he helped co-found when he was the area's Highway Patrol Commander.  Not only did he receive the award, he earlier that day participated in a burglary/drug related raid on a parolee's residence.

"It is an honor for me and my team to present the 'Legislator of the Year' award to Commander, now Assemblyman Benoit.  John was one of the original coordinators of the Coachella Valley Narcotics Task Force, and as such, has practical, real on-the-street experience in the war on drugs,  proven again when he accompanied us on a drug related  burglary raid," said Alfredo "Fred" Fierro, Task Force Commander.

"It is an honor to name Assemblyman Benoit as our 2007 Legislator of the Year.  As CHP Commander Benoit he served with us, as a law enforcement brother, fighting drugs in the streets.  As a State Assemblyman, he brings experience that few in the legislature possess to equip us with the tools police officers need in our battle against drugs.  He is an exceptional public servant and we look forward to working closely with him for years to come!" commented John Avila, President, CNOA.  "Every cop will tell you they need a good partner, well John Benoit is our good partner."

"I am humbled by this award from CNOA," said Assemblyman Benoit, "I have stood with many of these officers through the years as we battled drugs on the streets.  That they believe I am working on their behalf in the legislature is an indescribable honor."

CNOA has over 7,000 members including local, state, and federal police officers, prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and other national and international associates.  As such, they are the largest non-profit training organization in the state.  They provide cutting-edge training in narcotics enforcement to men and women on the front lines of the drug wars.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Benoit served 31 years in law enforcement, the last 17 as the Highway Patrol Commander in the Coachella Valley.  He also served on the Desert Sands School Board.