It’s a fact: the FBI can only conduct investigations and protect the American people from crime and acts of extremism if it has the support and understanding of the American people. That’s why the special agents in charge of each of our 56 field offices work so closely with their communities and community organizations. What happens when these special agents in charge get such tremendous support from people in their communities that they want to specially recognize them? They nominate them for a Director’s Community Leadership Award. This special award, presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI, was formally created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.

In a ceremony at FBI Headquarters on April 15, 2016, Director James B. Comey recognized the recipients of the 2015 Director’s Community Leadership Award. These leaders, selected by their area FBI field office, have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their local communities through service. The FBI is grateful for the work of each of these individuals and organizations on behalf of their communities. “[This year’s honorees] have done extraordinary good across communities in this country and have made a lasting difference,” said Director Comey. “Thank you for that good, thank you for what you represent, and thank you for inspiring not just the FBI but this entire country.”