FBI Chicago Announces Recipient of Director’s Community Leadership Award
The FBI Chicago Field Office presented Sally B. Hazelgrove with the 2017 FBI’s Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). Ms. Hazelgrove was selected by the Chicago Division for her dedication and groundbreaking 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 Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Sallet.
Ms. Hazelgrove will join the 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.
