Washington, D.C. — Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will present Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) with the 2019 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) at a national ceremony in Washington, DC. FBI Director, Christopher Wray, will present the prestigious award to Sandy Hook Promise’s Co-Founders and Managing Directors Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden. Nicole’s son, Dylan, and Mark’s son, Daniel, were both killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in 2012.
The FBI presents the DCLA to organizations and community leaders who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their communities in the prevention of crime and violence. SHP was chosen for its work in training over 7.5 million youths and adults nationwide in its proven Know the Signs programs that focus on prevention to help end the epidemic of gun violence by identifying at-risk behavior and intervening to get help before a tragedy can occur. Through these no-cost programs, SHP has averted multiple school shooting plots, teen suicides, and countless other acts of violence.
“Sandy Hook Promise is honored to receive the Director’s Community Leadership Award,” says Nicole Hockley. “The Know the Signs programs have proven to be effective in preventing heartbreaking tragedies from gun violence. Thanks to brave students who have taken action and said something to a trusted adult or reported tips anonymously through our Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, many tragedies have been averted and lives have been saved.”
Sandy Hook Promise was nominated for this award by the FBI’s New Haven field office, one of 56 field offices across the country. The award was also presented to the organization in early April at a local ceremony by Special Agents Brian Turner and Robert Fuller.
“The impact of Sandy Hook Promise continues to grow, and this award is proof of that,” Mark Barden says. “At a time when gun violence is so prevalent, we know that educational programs such as our Know the Signs programs are essential in preventing these horrific acts from ever occurring.”
About the Director’s Community Leadership Award: The Director’s Community Leadership Award was formally created in 1990 to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, and violence in America. Recipients of this award are nominated by each of the FBI’s 56 field offices and are recognized for their service above and beyond the call of duty to help keep America safe.
About Sandy Hook Promise: Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Connecticut. We are led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012, that claimed the lives of 20 first-graders and 6 educators. Sandy Hook Promise is focused on preventing gun violence (and all violence) BEFORE it can happen by educating and mobilizing parents, schools, and communities on mental health and wellness programs that identify, intervene and help at-risk individuals. SHP is a moderate, above-the-politics organization that supports sensible non-policy and policy solutions that protect children and prevent gun violence. Our intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. Make the Promise at www.sandyhookpromise.org.
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Stephanie Morris
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