FBI Chicago Announces Recipient of Director’s Community Leadership Award

Robert J. Holley, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced today that Christopher W. Helt, a Chicago immigration lawyer, has been named the recipient of the FBI’s Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for the Chicago Division.

The FBI presents the DCLA annually on behalf of its Director, James B. Comey. The award was established in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts to prevent crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence and to further law enforcement efforts in their communities. Each year, the special agent in charge of each of the FBI’s 56 field offices selects an honoree that has made a significant difference in the lives of others.

Mr. Helt was selected by the Chicago Division for playing an instrumental role in the establishment of the division’s Explorer Post. Formally known as the Edwin C. Shanahan Memorial Post #1920, the program provides an opportunity for approximately 30 local high school students to engage with special agents and other FBI personnel to develop leadership, teamwork, discipline, and socialization skills while learning more about a possible future law enforcement career. Mr. Helt has been a dedicated supporter of the Post since its inception. He serves as a member of the Post’s Board of Directors, he obtained non-profit status for the Post, and he has led fundraising efforts to benefit the Post. In addition, he has used his position as a community leader to recruit others to support the Post and has raised awareness of the Post through social media.

Mr. Helt is a 2011 graduate of the FBI Chicago Citizens Academy, and, as an active member of the Citizens Academy Alumni Association, he serves as an advocate for the FBI and law enforcement in general.

Mr. Helt will be honored at an awards luncheon scheduled for 11:30 a.m. tomorrow at Loyola University’s Corboy Law Center at 25 East Pearson Street in Chicago. He will also join DCLA recipients selected by the other FBI field offices across the nation at an awards ceremony to be held in Washington, D.C., in April, where he will be personally recognized and honored by Director Comey.