FBI Honors Local Somali American with the Director’s Community Leadership Award

The FBI’s Portland Division has awarded Musse Olol the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for his many years of work and dedication in Oregon. Mr. Olol is the chairman and spokesperson for the Somali American Council of Oregon (SACOO). In this role, he has been instrumental in organizing and leading efforts within the Somali community to promote public understanding and collaboration. Specifically, he has focused on developing positive relationships between the Somali community and law enforcement. Mr. Olol is also known for his work as a volunteer in assisting new Somali refugee families as an interpreter, facilitator, counselor, and co-sponsor.

“Mr. Olol has worked to empower Somali families,” said Greg Fowler, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “His efforts have paved the way for these new immigrants to have strong, positive relationships with the wider community that we all share.”

“It is quite an honor to receive this level of recognition and we are humbled by it,” said Mr. Olol. “SACOO members were called in to fill the leadership void of our community. This award further strengthens our commitment to our community to achieve an environment of unity and hope that will lead to successful citizens.”

Each year, every FBI field office honors one person or organization with this award for outstanding contributions to their community through service. Mr. Olol will travel to Washington, D.C., in March 2012 to be personally recognized by FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III.

Mr. Olol has lived in Oregon for 30 years, and he graduated from Portland State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He currently works in the field of water and wastewater engineering. To find out more information about the Somali American Council of Oregon, go to http://sacoo.org/.