Last week, an employee of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory was recognized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with a Director’s Community Leadership Award. The award was presented by Special Agent in Charge Richard Frankel. Gerry Holler, as director of Security for Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, has been critical in protecting colleges, universities, research laboratories, and the critical infrastructure on Long Island for decades.

Since 2002, Holler has been responsible for the safety of 1,200 employees, including 600 researchers and technicians at the laboratory. Previously, Holler was a police officer for 21 years at New York Police Department. Additionally, Holler serves on a College and University Security Consortium based on Long Island, as well as on the Board of Directors for Long Island InfraGard, among many other responsibilities.

“Mr. Holler’s motivation to ensure the safety of the people of New York, as well as the protection of infrastructure, has been critical to our success,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos. “We rightfully recognize Mr. Holler’s efforts with the Director’s Community Leadership Award.”

Special Agent in Charge Richard Frankel and others from the
FBI’s New York Field Office recognize Gerry Holler with the award.

The Director’s Community leadership Award is presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI and 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. Each of the 56 field offices of the FBI nominates an outstanding community leader to receive the award. The Director will formally recognize Holler next year at a ceremony in Washington.