Friday, December 23, 2011

Columbus Global Academy Receives FBI Award

Edward J. Hanko, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Cincinnati Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced today that the Columbus Global Academy has been named as the recipient of the 2011 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award.

The Columbus Global Academy is a unique English as a Second Language (ESL) school for recent immigrant and refugee students who have limited English abilities. A part of the Columbus City School District, the school currently serves 136 middle school students and 336 high school students from ages 11-22. Students at the Columbus Global Academy are from over 50 different countries and represent 35 native languages. The largest single group of students at the school is from Somalia, while Spanish (representing several countries) is the most common native language.

Many of the students at the Columbus Global Academy have recently arrived in the United States from refugee camps or countries torn apart by war, famine or natural disasters. Though the students often have little formal education and face many challenges, the faculty and staff at the Columbus Global Academy work hard to create a positive learning environment. Mrs. Kimberly Normand, the Principal at the Columbus Global Academy, and Dr. Brenda Custodio, the Assistant Principal, have led the staff as they help students to dramatically improve in their academic studies, while also empowering them to be successful members of the community.

Mrs. Normand, Dr. Custodio and the teachers at the Columbus Global Academy have also welcomed the Cincinnati FBI as a partner with the school. The Division has worked with students in an effort to strengthen relations with local ethnic communities in central Ohio and to mentor at-risk youth who may be more vulnerable to radicalization, gang membership or other unlawful activity.

For the past two years, the Cincinnati Division has held an FBI Teen Academy at the school. Students have learned about the work of Special Agents, seen evidence response and recovery techniques, learned about online safety and viewed a SWAT presentation. FBI employees and their families have also volunteered at the Columbus Global Academy, participated in Career Day presentations and served on the school’s Community Advisory Council to develop academic and extracurricular opportunities for the students.

Principal Kimberly Normand recently accepted the Director’s Community Leadership Award from SAC Hanko on behalf of the school. A formal ceremony at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 16, 2012.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

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/.

Monday, December 19, 2011

FBI 2011 Director’s Community Leadership Award

Christopher M. Piehota, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Buffalo Field Office, has selected Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Joseph M. Tripi, Western District of New York, to receive the 2011 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). SAC Piehota will present the commemorative award locally on Monday, December 19, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., at the FBI’s Buffalo Office.

The FBI initiated the DCLA in 1990 to honor those who provide civil rights education and put forth efforts to combat crime. It is presented annually on behalf of its Director, Robert S. Mueller, III. Every year, FBI field offices across the country select individuals or organizations—one per office—to receive the DCLA. The criteria for the award includes achievements in combating terrorism, cyber crime, and illegal drugs, gangs, and other crimes; or violence prevention/education efforts that have had a tremendous positive impact on communities. The recipients include dedicated groups of people and organizations that have collectively enhanced the lives of thousands of individuals and families and helped to protect communities around the United States.

A Buffalo native, AUSA Tripi graduated from St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Canisius College and the University at Buffalo Law School. He joined the USAO in Buffalo in January 2008 following four years as an Assistant District Attorney in Nassau County. Following an assignment in the Narcotics and Violent Crimes Division, AUSA Tripi currently works in the USAO’s National Security Division, which oversees all federal gang prosecutions. AUSA Tripi’s primary prosecutive work is centered on the investigations of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF).

The FBI specifically recognizes AUSA Tripi’s work on the 10th Street and 7th Street gang prosecutions. For the past 20 years, members of these gangs committed acts of murder, attempted murder, robbery and assault, narcotics violations, firearms offenses, and witness intimidation. AUSA Tripi’s perseverance and commitment lead to the indictment of 35 10th and 7th Street gang members on a variety of RICO, narcotics, and weapons violations. AUSA Tripi is also the lead prosecutor on pending gang-related charges filed against members of the Bloods and DC-Crew gangs following long-term SSTF investigations.

“AUSA Tripi aggressively prosecutes gang and narcotics investigations conducted by our Safe Streets Task Force,“ said SAC Piehota. “He has demonstrated his commitment to improving our neighborhoods and consistently supports our task force with humble professionalism. In furtherance of the Department of Justice and FBI outreach programs, AUSA Tripi works with community groups who collaborate to fight gang violence.”

“I am pleased that AUSA Joe Tripi is being honored by the FBI with the Director’s Community Leadership Award,” said U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. “As a member of the National Security Division, Joe works extremely hard day in and day out to bring to justice those individuals who attempt to fill our streets with drugs, guns and violence. In particular, he has done tremendous work on the prosecution of the 10th Street and 7th Street gangs whose members have committed serious acts of violence on the streets of Buffalo.”

Buffalo Police Department Commissioner Daniel Derenda said, “AUSA Tripi’s support has allowed law enforcement agencies at the state, federal and local levels to jointly address gang activities and make the City of Buffalo a safer place to live and work.”

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III, will present AUSA Tripi with the 2011 DCLA during a formal ceremony at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on March 16, 2012.

Ms. Essie Reed is Nominated for FBI Director’s 2011 Community Leadership Award

MIAMI—John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Miami Division, announces the nomination of Ms. Essie Reed for the FBI Director’s 2011 Community Leadership Award for her mentoring and charitable initiatives among the people in need of South Florida.

Ms. Reed, known locally as ‘Big Mama,’ will travel to Washington D.C. in March, 2012, to receive the award from FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III.

Ms. Reed is the president and founder of Team of Life, Inc., a non-profit charitable organization in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that assists local residents in need. Her services provide children, who come from homes where drugs, alcohol, poverty and violence exist, an opportunity to overcome the hardships they face.

She has made a difference in her community through mentoring, community involvement, and feeding the homeless. Ms. Reed is a mentor to seventh-grade students at New River Middle School, where she provides meals, clothing, and transportation to students who are in her program. Her Young Men and Women Business Association links non-profit organizations to local businesses where they collaborate to address the social and economic needs impacting their communities. She collects and distributes thousands of turkeys and gifts each year during the holiday season.

Through her efforts, Ms. Reed has raised awareness of the homelessness that plagues local communities, the need for volunteers and mentors for youth and by improving a sense of community and caring among residents.

She has received numerous civic awards including being honored as Community Activist of the Year in 2001 by the Vanguard Chronicle.

Previous award winners from Miami include former NBA star Alonzo Mourning, the Anti-Defamation League, and Handy, Inc.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Homicide Survivors, Inc. Receives 2011 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award

PHOENIX, AZ—Phoenix FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) James L. Turgal, Jr. announced today Homicide Survivors, Inc. is the 2011 recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. Each FBI field office selects one individual or organization each year to receive this prestigious award.

Since 1990, the Director’s Community Leadership Award has been a principle means for the FBI to publicly recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations who make extraordinary contributions to crime and violence prevention and education in their communities.

Homicide Survivors, Inc. is a non-profit victim assistance organization dedicated to meeting the crisis and long term needs of families of murder victims. Through support, assistance, and advocacy they help survivors cope emotionally, stabilize economically, and seek justice for their loved ones. Homicide Survivors is committed to ensuring that no one has to endure the murder of a loved one alone.

The organization has been a driving force in creating legislative changes in Arizona. They were also active in supporting passage of the federal Crime Victims’ Rights Act, advancing victims’ rights and services nationally. Homicide Survivors, Inc. has served victims in Tucson and Southern Arizona since 1982. The program offers services at no charge to all survivors of homicide victims.

SAC James L. Turgal, Jr. said, “Homicide Survivors, Inc. epitomizes the spirit of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award through their support, advocacy, and assistance to families and friends in our community who have lost a love one to murder.”

Director and victim advocate Carol Gaxiola stated, “Homicide Survivors, Inc. is honored to receive the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. We are grateful to our donors, community business partners, volunteers, survivors, and supporters who empower us every day to fulfill our mission to ensure that no survivor of homicide has to go through this tragedy alone.”

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Ms. Essie Reed is Nominated for FBI Director’s 2011 Community Leadership Award

MIAMI—John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Miami Division, announces the nomination of Ms. Essie Reed for the FBI Director’s 2011 Community Leadership Award for her mentoring and charitable initiatives among the people in need of South Florida.

Ms. Reed, known locally as ‘Big Mama,’ will travel to Washington D.C. in March, 2012, to receive the award from FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III.

Ms. Reed is the president and founder of Team of Life, Inc., a non-profit charitable organization in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that assists local residents in need. Her services provide children, who come from homes where drugs, alcohol, poverty and violence exist, an opportunity to overcome the hardships they face.

She has made a difference in her community through mentoring, community involvement, and feeding the homeless. Ms. Reed is a mentor to seventh-grade students at New River Middle School, where she provides meals, clothing, and transportation to students who are in her program. Her Young Men and Women Business Association links non-profit organizations to local businesses where they collaborate to address the social and economic needs impacting their communities. She collects and distributes thousands of turkeys and gifts each year during the holiday season.

Through her efforts, Ms. Reed has raised awareness of the homelessness that plagues local communities, the need for volunteers and mentors for youth and by improving a sense of community and caring among residents.

She has received numerous civic awards including being honored as Community Activist of the Year in 2001 by the Vanguard Chronicle.

Previous award winners from Miami include former NBA star Alonzo Mourning, the Anti-Defamation League, and Handy, Inc.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Ralph Boelter Named Assistant Director of the Counterterrorism Division

Director Robert S. Mueller, III named Ralph S. Boelter assistant director of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. Mr. Boelter most recently served as acting assistant director of the Counterterrorism Division.

Mr. Boelter began his career as a special agent with the FBI in July 1991. He first reported to the Boston Division where he investigated white collar crime, violent crime and criminal enterprise matters.

In December 1997, he was promoted and worked in the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. Mr. Boelter oversaw many of the Bureau’s violent crime and fugitive investigations.

He transferred to the Los Angeles Division in March 2000 to supervise the Violent Crime and Criminal Enterprise Branch out of the Long Beach Resident Agency. Mr. Boelter later served as acting assistant special agent in charge of the branch in November 2001, and was officially named to the position in January 2003.

Mr. Boelter was assigned as a detail in April 2005 for the investigation involving the unauthorized disclosure of CIA Agent Valerie Plame Wilson’s covert identity.

He returned to FBI Headquarters in September 2005 when he was promoted to the position of inspector. In this position, he led inspection teams in comprehensive assessments of FBI offices around the world.

Director Muller appointed Mr. Boelter as special agent in charge of the Minneapolis Division in December 2006. He managed high profile investigations including the Thomas Petters $3.6 billion corporate fraud case and the priority counterterrorism matter involving the recruitment of several Somali-American men in support of the designated terrorist organization, al-Shabaab.

Mr. Boelter received the 2010 Presidential Rank Award for sustained meritorious performance as a senior executive and demonstrating police leadership. In April 2011, Mr. Boelter was appointed as deputy assistant director of the Strategic Operations Branch, Counterterrorism Division, at FBI Headquarters. Mr. Boelter is a native of Wisconsin.

Friday, December 09, 2011

Media Advisory: WEAVE, Inc. to be Presented with FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office Herbert M. Brown will present Beth Hassett, executive director of WEAVE, Inc., with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award during a brief ceremony. The annual award recognizes the achievement of an individual or organization for commitment to violence education and prevention.

Who:
Herbert M. Brown, special agent in charge, FBI Sacramento Field Office
Beth Hassett, executive director, WEAVE, Inc.

What:
Director’s Community Leadership Award presentation

When:
Monday, December 12, 2011
10:30 a.m.

Where:
Sacramento Field Office
4500 Orange Grove Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95841

Thursday, December 08, 2011

USO Honors Servicemembers’ Leadership

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2011 – Medal of Honor recipient Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer, a Navy SEAL killed in Afghanistan in August, a soldier and an Air Force search-and-rescue team member who repeatedly exposed themselves to enemy fire to save their wounded comrades, and a Coast Guardsman who led maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf received the USO’s most prestigious leadership award last night.

The USO presented its George Van Cleave Military Leadership Awards at its 50th annual gala here to one member of each service who demonstrated outstanding commitment and exceptional service, sacrifice and achievement.

In addition to Meyer, this year’s recipients included Army Sgt. 1st Class Ty Carter, the late Navy Chief Special Operator Brian Bill, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael A. Brait, and Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Jason Mortiz.

Here are their stories:

Army Sgt. 1st Class Ty Carter, a section leader assigned to 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, was honored for distinguishing himself while serving as a scout in Afghanistan. When his fellow soldiers and a nearby combat outpost came under attack from a battalion-sized enemy force, Carter, a specialist at the time, ran repeatedly through heavy enemy fire to bring critical ammunition to his position.

Armed only with only an M4 carbine, he beat back the assault force for several hours. Despite being wounded, he disregarded his own personal safety to assist a critically wounded comrade. He administered first aid and carried the wounded soldier through withering enemy fire. Throughout the battle, Carter exposed himself to the enemy no fewer than six times as he crossed treacherous ground where eight fellow soldiers were killed.

Carter’s cavalry troop is slated to deploy next spring.

Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer , who received the Medal of Honor during Sept. 15 ceremonies at the White House, is the third living recipient of the nation's highest honor for valor since the Vietnam War and the first living Marine honoree in 41 years. Deployed twice for combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Meyer gained national attention for his heroic actions in Afghanistan’s Kunar province with an embedded training team.

Entering a “kill zone” five times during a six-hour firefight with well-armed insurgents, Meyer extracted the bodies of four fallen comrades, evacuated the wounded and provided essential aid despite his own extensive shrapnel wounds. Ultimately, he single-handedly turned the tide of battle, saving the lives of 13 U.S. service members and 23 Afghan soldiers.

In addition to heroism, presence of mind amid chaos and death, and unselfish devotion to his comrades in the face of danger, Meyer also demonstrated a deep sense of humility. When President Barack Obama honored him, Meyer requested simultaneous commemorative services at other locations to honor the memory of his colleagues killed during the ambush.

Chief Special Warfare Operator Brian Bill was one of 30 U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan Aug. 6 when a Taliban fighter shot down their helicopter during a mission to rescue Army Rangers locked in an intense firefight.

His USO honor, however, was presented for the way he lived his life -- personifying exceptional leadership, team spirit, courage and heart.

Graduating from Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Training, the world’s most difficult military training, he quickly excelled as a SEAL operator in combat, coordinating and leading 60 direct-action missions, often under fire. After completing a seven-month advanced SEAL Operator Selection Course, Bill earned three Bronze Star Medals with the combat “V” device for Valor. Quoting from his second Bronze Star citation, “As an assistant team leader and sniper on a helo/vehicle interdiction mission, his instant quick thinking ensured the safety of the helo assault force and resulted in elimination of all the enemy fighters.” As noted in his third Bronze Star citation during Operation Enduring Freedom, during a night raid against a heavily barricaded enemy position, Bill fought his way under fire to pull a teammate back to safety.

Bill was honored as a gallant warrior who fought with valor and died with honor.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael A. Brait was honored for demonstrating exceptional leadership and heroism as a special tactics combat controller in Afghanistan. He has maintained more than 3,000 hours of combat search-and-rescue coverage for an elite special operations force and provided helicopter services for 48 resupply missions, including crucial humanitarian assistance to a local Afghanistan village.

During a four-day operation in an insurgent village, Brait was the lead joint terminal attack controller for a combined U.S. Army Special Forces operational detachment. In that role, he conducted a critical nighttime water resupply for severely dehydrated forces, despite extreme heat and the threat of enemy ambush. The following morning, he responded to an attack on naval special forces, using an overhead Predator and Hellfire missile against the insurgents. While under heavy machine gun fire from multiple locations, he helped evacuate injured personnel while continuing to identify and attack enemy forces.

Brait also trained 140 Afghan soldiers on the front line of the U.S. security effort and led a six-month training plan to prepare combat-ready troops. For his bravery and leadership, he received the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal and tAir Force Combat Action Medal.

Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Jason Mortiz distinguished himself as a leader and superior performer while assigned to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, 5th U.S. Fleet, as the force intelligence officer in support of maritime security operations throughout the region.

His duties included monitoring and analyzing terrorism, smuggling, narcotics and geo-political issues for command decision-making. Moritz also coordinated training and advisory missions with counterpart services throughout the region. The Iraqi program he helped develop and implement was the first of its kind for the new Iraqi military. He was lauded for increasing the command’s situational awareness of regional events, for his sensitivity to the region’s volatile political infrastructure, and insight into cultural and local issues and for superb teamwork.

Moritz’s awards and decorations include three awards of the Coast Guard Commendation Medal. He is currently assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector New York as a command duty officer.

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

2011 Atlanta Division’s Director’s Community Leadership Award

ATLANTA—Today, Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, presented the Director’s Community Leadership Award for 2011 to Kaffie McCullough, campaign director of A Future. Not a Past. (AFNAP), which—through the nonprofit Juvenile Justice Fund (JJF)—assists various law enforcement agencies and courts in addressing the needs of juvenile victims being exploited within the commercial sex industry. On March 16, 2012, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller will host all of the FBI’s 56 selectees from around the country at a national ceremony to be held at FBI Headquarters with Ms. McCullough present as Atlanta FBI’s honoree.

Since 2007, the JJF’s statewide campaign, AFNAP, has worked to stop the prostitution of children in Georgia through groundbreaking research that drives strategies of prevention, intervention and education.

The mission of AFNAP is to protect and inspire hope in our children—the true victims of commercial sexual exploitation—as well as to disable demand and prosecute to the fullest extent the pimps and johns who exploit them.

The AFNAP campaign has continued to address the issue of commercial sexual exploitation of minors through a four-tiered strategy of research, prevention, intervention, and education.

Along with other state entities, the campaign has pushed for tougher state laws to be implemented, and due to their combined efforts, Georgia House Bill 200 became law on July 1, 2011. With that, traffickers sexually exploiting victims under 18 face penalties including the possibility of life in prison and fines up to $100,000.

In June 2011, The Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia donated billboards throughout Metro Atlanta to AFNAP to present public service announcements focusing on penalties associated with child sexual exploitation and to encourage community involvement and education.

Since 2007, AFNAP has utilized all means of technology to reach the masses, maintaining social networking sites to provide education and volunteer opportunities. Additionally, AFNAP sponsors an annual 5K run to fight the sexual exploitation of children.

Monday, December 05, 2011

Albuquerque Security Manager Receives FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award

Albuquerque FBI Special Agent in Charge Carol K.O. Lee presented the 2011 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award today to Thomas O. Craig, the security manager and fraud investigator for New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union.

Each of the FBI’s 56 field offices annually selects an individual or organization to receive the award, which recognizes efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.

“This is a tremendous honor and I am truly grateful to those in the Albuquerque Field Office responsible for my selection,” Mr. Craig said. “As a retired law enforcement officer, it’s always a pleasure to know that I may have assisted someone in some way with an investigation or the apprehension of an offender. I’m just very lucky to be working in a position for a company that allows me these opportunities.”

SAC Lee presented a certificate to Mr. Craig at the Albuquerque FBI Field Office. Mr. Craig has been invited to a March 16 ceremony in Washington, D.C., where FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III will present him and other recipients with crystal awards.

Since retiring from a 20-year career with the Albuquerque Police Department, Mr. Craig has volunteered his time assisting state, local, and federal law enforcement. During the past couple of years, Mr. Craig has helped the FBI with several ongoing cyber investigations involving multi-million-dollar losses at financial institutions in the community.

Mr. Craig has been a co-chair of the Financial Institution Security Officers Association (FISOA) for more than 10 years. The organization informs local financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and consumers of financial fraud and identity theft trends and developments.

In July 2010, Mr. Craig played a crucial role in the preparation of a press release that advised small businesses, financial institutions, and consumers on how to protect themselves from a recent string of cyber attacks. The press release was issued in coordination with the FBI, Better Business Bureau, FISOA, Albuquerque Retail Assets Protection Association and New Mexico Restaurant Association.

Mr. Craig has coordinated opportunities for Albuquerque FBI special agents to meet officials at local financial institutions to make the businesses aware of ongoing threats.

Mr. Craig’s co-workers said “he has always demonstrated a commitment to doing what is right.”

“He is a champion for a teller who deals with a verbally abusive customer. He is an educator for the customer who cashes a check from the Nigerian lottery, and he is a liaison for other financial institutions and law enforcement,” the workers said in a statement. “Tom can see a case, with all of its nuances, and give others clarity to allow for the perpetrator to be caught, and the victim to get closure. With a witty charm and willingness to share stories from his bike trips or his days on the force, Tom Craig is an asset to our organization—and those of us who know him are better for the experience.”

SAC Lee said: “Tom Craig is a very deserving recipient of this year’s FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. He has helped the Albuquerque FBI and our law enforcement partners protect financial institutions and consumers from expensive cyber attacks. We also value his participation in our investigations.”

Friday, December 02, 2011

Albuquerque Security Manager Receives FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award

Albuquerque FBI Special Agent in Charge Carol K.O. Lee presented the 2011 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award today to Thomas O. Craig, the security manager and fraud investigator for New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union.

Each of the FBI’s 56 field offices annually selects an individual or organization to receive the award, which recognizes efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.

“This is a tremendous honor and I am truly grateful to those in the Albuquerque Field Office responsible for my selection,” Mr. Craig said. “As a retired law enforcement officer, it’s always a pleasure to know that I may have assisted someone in some way with an investigation or the apprehension of an offender. I’m just very lucky to be working in a position for a company that allows me these opportunities.”

SAC Lee presented a certificate to Mr. Craig at the Albuquerque FBI Field Office. Mr. Craig has been invited to a March 16 ceremony in Washington, D.C., where FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III will present him and other recipients with crystal awards.

Since retiring from a 20-year career with the Albuquerque Police Department, Mr. Craig has volunteered his time assisting state, local, and federal law enforcement. During the past couple of years, Mr. Craig has helped the FBI with several ongoing cyber investigations involving multi-million-dollar losses at financial institutions in the community.

Mr. Craig has been a co-chair of the Financial Institution Security Officers Association (FISOA) for more than 10 years. The organization informs local financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and consumers of financial fraud and identity theft trends and developments.

In July 2010, Mr. Craig played a crucial role in the preparation of a press release that advised small businesses, financial institutions, and consumers on how to protect themselves from a recent string of cyber attacks. The press release was issued in coordination with the FBI, Better Business Bureau, FISOA, Albuquerque Retail Assets Protection Association and New Mexico Restaurant Association.

Mr. Craig has coordinated opportunities for Albuquerque FBI special agents to meet officials at local financial institutions to make the businesses aware of ongoing threats.

Mr. Craig’s co-workers said “he has always demonstrated a commitment to doing what is right.”

“He is a champion for a teller who deals with a verbally abusive customer. He is an educator for the customer who cashes a check from the Nigerian lottery, and he is a liaison for other financial institutions and law enforcement,” the workers said in a statement. “Tom can see a case, with all of its nuances, and give others clarity to allow for the perpetrator to be caught, and the victim to get closure. With a witty charm and willingness to share stories from his bike trips or his days on the force, Tom Craig is an asset to our organization—and those of us who know him are better for the experience.”

SAC Lee said: “Tom Craig is a very deserving recipient of this year’s FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. He has helped the Albuquerque FBI and our law enforcement partners protect financial institutions and consumers from expensive cyber attacks. We also value his participation in our investigations.”