FBI Presents Mayor with Director's Community Leadership Award

From an FBI release:
Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Houston Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Andrew R. Bland III, will present Mayor Bill White with the FBI Director's 2007 Community Leadership Award today.

Established in 1990, the Director's Community Leadership Award is presented each year by FBI Field Offices to individuals and organizations that have made a positive impact within their local communities through their achievements in crime prevention, drug deterrence, or other programs which promote public safety and well-being.

Mayor White is being recognized for his outstanding contributions toward improving the quality of life in the City of Houston through his commitment to law enforcement and the prevention of crime. His efforts have significantly impacted the community, as well as local, state and federal law enforcement initiatives.

During his tenure, the City of Houston hosted a number of high profile sporting events to include Super Bowl XXXVIII, the 2004 Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game, the 2005 World Series, the 2006 National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Game and other special events throughout the city. Under the leadership of Mayor White, the FBI in partnership with the Houston Police Department and over 80 other federal, state and local first responder agencies, emergency managers and event coordinators, developed an integrated crisis management plan, thereby insuring the public's safety during these events. Since the events of 9-11, Mayor White's Homeland Security Office has had a seamless, continuing relationship with the FBI.

Moreover, Mayor White led the city through the challenging preparations and the even more challenging response to Hurricane Katrina as the city provided a safe haven to approximately one quarter million evacuees.

Mayor White instituted an Anti Gang Office and Gang Task Force to develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce gang violence and other related crimes. Mayor White accomplished this goal in partnership with law enforcement, schools, youth service providers and the public. The office coordinates citywide anti-gang efforts, including the gathering and sharing of information on criminal gang activities.

On behalf of Director Robert S. Mueller III, SAC Bland is pleased to present the 2007 Director's Community Leadership Award to Mayor Bill White. SAC Bland stated "Mayor White's demonstrated leadership on behalf of law enforcement endeavors, as evidenced by his unwavering support for Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt, has been an integral component of the successful partnership between the FBI, the Houston Police Department, and numerous Houston-area Law Enforcement agencies." The award presentation will take place at Houston's City Hall at 1:45p.m., Tuesday, January 15, 2008.