New York, like each of the FBI's local field offices, has a community outreach program that complements and strengthens our many efforts to protect you, your businesses, and your families in concrete ways through a range of activities and initiatives.

Our recent activities include:

• We presented our annual Director's Community Leadership Award for 2008 to Anthony Bergamo. Bergamo is the chairman and co-founder of the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation (FLEF), which was established in 1988 by a group of business leaders who recognized that, despite the vast contribution law enforcement agents make to Americans’ quality of life, the economic protection they receive is often inadequate in the face of disaster. Every dollar contributed to FLEF is put to work for law enforcement support. The organization was originally formed to support the FBI by providing financial support to families of special agents killed in action and economic assistance to special agents suffering from serious illness or recovering from natural disaster. As FLEF grew, financial assistance was extended to all federal and local law enforcement agencies. FLEF funds have supported the Fed Kids day program, inner-city drug reduction programs, summer camp for inner-city youth, scouting and scholarships, the New York Police Department Vest Fund, the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Widows and Children Fund, and the Drug Enforcement Administration Widows and Children Fund, among others.

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III congratulates Anthony Bergamo, a 2009 recipient of the Director’s Community Leadership Award. Bergamo is the chairman and co-founder of the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation.

• In the fall of 2008, we held our latest Citizens' Academy, bringing together a diverse group of business and community leaders to learn firsthand about our operations and programs. This not only demystifies our work, it also creates new channels for working together and sharing information. We plan to begin our next Citizens' Academy in September 2009. There is a high demand for this program, and those who express an interest in attending should request an application starting 12 months in advance. Applications can be requested by e-mailing Evelyn Acevedo or Stacy Diamond or by writing to the FBI, Attn: Community Outreach Coordinator, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278.
• The New York Office participated in the 25th Annual National Night Out Against Crime on August 5, 2008. The event was held throughout seven locations in the New York City area.
• We supported the Hope and Possibility 5-Mile Race on June 22, 2008 to benefit the Achilles Track Club and Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans. The club encourages people with disabilities to engage in physical activity and to participate in mainstream athletic events. The Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans is one of the components of the track club and is devoted to assisting recently disabled war veterans.

Among our other ongoing efforts:

The Law Enforcement Explorer Program provides students ages 14-21 with an opportunity to develop practical knowledge and experience in a range of law enforcement careers.

• Speakers Bureau. The New York Division offers speakers for schools, businesses, minority groups, and civic organizations throughout the community on a variety of topics, including terrorism, violent crime, organized crime and drugs, frauds and scams, identity theft, hate crimes/civil rights, victim assistance, and careers within the FBI. To schedule a speaker, submit your request in writing to the Community Outreach Coordinator at least one month in advance. Fax your request to (212) 384-8187 or mail it to FBI, Attn: Community Outreach Coordinator, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278.
• Citizens’ Academies. We support the graduates of the Citizens' Academies, who meet in a local alumni chapter to create crime prevention programs that benefit the local community.
• Adopt-A-School. We host programs that put special agents and professional support employees inside classrooms to mentor and tutor at-risk kids.
• Explorers Post. We mentor high school students through an Explorers Post program.

Visit our national In Your Community website for more information about our overall outreach efforts and our work in other local FBI offices.

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