November 24, 2008

FBI SPRINGFIELD
http://springfield.fbi.gov

TIMOTHY J. DAVLIN RECEIVES FBI DIRECTOR’S COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

Timothy J. Davlin, Mayor of the City of Springfield, Illinois, was presented with the FBI Director’s 2008 Community Leadership Award today.

Since 1990, the FBI has publicly recognized the achievements of individuals and organizations who have made a positive impact within their local communities. The Director’s Community Leadership Award is reserved for those who have made an outstanding contribution towards crime prevention, education, and community awareness.

Davlin has been proactive in enhancing the City’s security, emergency, and disaster preparedness. He worked with the City Council to create an Office of Homeland Security for Springfield. Davlin facilitated a series of table-top exercises to promote interagency planning and cooperation, and improve the City’s response to crises and other emergencies. Davlin was successful in securing funding to replace antiquated communications equipment with state-of-the-art mobile data computers and radio networks, improving the safety and effectiveness of the City’s first responders.

Davlin has made a concerted effort to combat drug trafficking in Springfield, which brings with it many related evils that accompany the illicit drug trade, such as violence, gang activity, and theft. Davlin’s Sudden Impact initiative was a multi-agency effort to target drug distribution in the community. Sudden Impact resulted in several coordinated sweeps of the neighborhoods most affected by illegal drug activity.

The Mayor’s Book Club was initiated to encourage youth literacy and provide young people with the optimism of a bright future. Springfield is involved in the DARE program and assigns School Resource Officers to the neighborhood schools. A new Police Athletic League was formed this year to work with the Boys and Girls Club. And, the City of Springfield hosts a Junior Police Academy, a Citizens’ Academy, and a Senior Police Academy, educating the community about the role of law enforcement.

Davlin also serves on the Governor’s Law Enforcement Standards and Training Board, knowing the importance of maintaining and enhancing the professionalism of community law enforcement. The Mayor is slated to serve as the Board’s Chairman this year.

Therefore, FBI Special Agent in Charge, Karen E. Spangenberg, Springfield Division, presented Timothy J. Davlin with the FBI Director’s 2008 Community Leadership Award, today at the Springfield FBI office.