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:

• On November 7, FBI agents joined various public figures for the commissioning of the USS New York at Pier 86. The San Antonio class Landing Platform Dock amphibious assault ship, designed to carry up to 800 marines and helicopters, was constructed in part from 7.5 tons of World Trade Center steel salvaged after 9/11. "The New York will be a visible testament to our resilience," Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus noted as cannons were fired to a military flyover. "No matter how many times you attack us, we always come back. America always comes back. That's what this ship represents." As sailors and marines scaled the decks of the ship, officially signaling commissioning of the vessel, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated, "In that steel, burned but unbroken, lives the spirit we saw on 9/11. Sometimes our pain can lead us to purpose...The strongest steel of New York has always been in the spines of its people.”

The USS New York was constructed in part from steel salvaged from the World Trade Center towers.

• Runners are not the only ones who make the New York marathon possible. Every year, roughly 10,000 volunteers come out to help doing everything from registration at the Expo to serving water and loading buses with equipment. This year on November 1, FBI agents, support staff, Explorers, and Citizen’s Academy graduates all volunteered their support. Assistant Director in Charge Joe Demarest said, “Hats off to all of you who volunteered your time to support the ING New York City Marathon. I would like to specifically thank our Explorer’s Program participants, led by Special Agent Janet Ambrisco, who were stationed at the six-mile mark. Thank you, as always, to the Explorer advisors: Michael Briskie, Barbara Satchell, Kristina Patillo, Tennie Griffin, Richard Guida, Lauren Anderson, and Lana Yankovich for making this day special for the 17 FBI Explorers who volunteered to help out.” Eleanor Cox, Manager of Achilles International, confirmed: “All of us at Achilles thank all of you who gave so generously of your time and talents. There is no way we could have made it through to the finish of the New York City Marathon without you!” Community Outreach Specialist Stacy Diamond and Special Agent Jacqueline Delaney volunteered to assist the Achilles marathon participants at 72nd and Columbus; they worked along with many others to assist the runners with push-rim wheelchairs and hand-crank wheelchairs.

FBI employees and Citizens’ Academy participants at 72nd and Columbus (left); top female in push-rim wheelchair category (right)

• 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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