2011 Director’s Community Leadership Awards

The Chicago Division is pleased to honor Brent A. King for his work as chief executive officer of Chelsea’s Light Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the memory of his daughter, who was kidnapped and murdered by a convicted sex offender while she was jogging in a park in San Diego, California.

Mr. King worked closely with local law enforcement and the FBI San Diego Division to help find his daughter and identify the individual responsible for her death.

Following the conviction of the person responsible for Chelsea’s murder, Mr. King and his family returned to Chicago and started Chelsea’s Light. The foundation was instrumental in drafting and helping the California legislature pass “Chelsea’s Law,” which toughened restrictions on violent sexual predators. Mr. King and the foundation are working to enact similar legislation in other states, all designed to help protect children.

The foundation has also instituted a scholarship program for high school students, established a peer counseling program, and developed an outreach and support program for victims of sexual assault.

As evidenced by his hard work, Mr. King has taken a tragic life event and used it as a vehicle for change. His selfless efforts have helped enact legislation and develop programs designed to protect children.