CHICAGO—Jeffrey S. Sallet, special agent in charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced today that Sally B. Hazelgrove, president, Restoring the Path-Crushers Club, and a 2017 FBI Chicago Citizens Academy graduate has been named the 2017 recipient of the FBI’s Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for the Chicago Division.

The FBI presents this award annually on behalf of its Director, Christopher Wray. It was established in 1990, as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their endeavors to prevent federal crimes and to enhance law enforcement efforts in their communities.

Ms. Hazelgrove was selected by the Chicago Division for her dedication and ground breaking work to keep local youth from becoming involved in gang activity. Eight years ago, she moved her family to Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood to help “change it from the inside.” After obtaining a grant, Ms. Hazelgrove opened the Crushers Club. Its mission is to provide at-risk youth with a strong alternative to gangs by giving them a support network and crucial life skills. The Crushers Club works to fulfill its goals by offering these youth the chance to pursue a sport they have a strong interest in—boxing. It also gives them a chance to develop leadership skills that are rooted in four ideals—ownership, discipline, love, and respect. So far, more than 350 at-risk youth have participated in the Crushers Club. As a result, many of them have successfully completed probation, graduated from high school, and stayed away from gang activity.

“Ms. Hazelgrove’s visionary efforts have made her an extremely valuable resource, not only for law enforcement, but for the Chicago community as a whole, as she does her part to combat violent crime,” said SAC Sallet.

A luncheon honoring Ms. Hazelgrove is scheduled for 12 P.M. on January 30, 2018, at Harry Caray’s Restaurant, 33 West Kinzie, Chicago. She will also join DCLA recipients selected by other FBI field offices across the nation at an awards ceremony to be held in Washington, D.C. this spring, where she will be personally recognized and honored by Director Wray.