Chicago Journalist and Documentarian Honored by FBI

January 19, 2010 - Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced today that Bill Kurtis, Executive Producer and President of Chicago based Kurtis Productions, is the 2009 Chicago area recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA).

The DCLA is presented annually by FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III to a recipient in each of the FBI’s 56 domestic field offices. Established in 1990, the DCLA is designed to publicly recognize an individual or organization that has helped with crime prevention and educational programs within their community and which have furthered the efforts of law enforcement.

In selecting Mr. Kurtis as the 2009 recipient of this prestigious award, Director Mueller noted his many contributions over the years in both educating the public and assisting law enforcement. Said Director Mueller, “Shows produced by Kurtis Productions, such as American Greed and American Justice, have documented to the public many successful investigative efforts of law enforcement while Cold Case Files enlists the public’s help in resolving unsolved cases and locating wanted fugitives.”

In announcing this award, Mr. Grant noted the dedication and personal involvement exhibited by Mr. Kurtis to the Chicago FBI during the past several years. Mr. Grant added “Our office was honored to have Mr. Kurtis as the keynote speaker at both our inaugural Law Enforcement Memorial Service in May of 2007 and at our 100th Anniversary celebration in July of 2008. His eloquent remarks left attendees at both events with a greater appreciation of the sacrifice made daily by the men and women of law enforcement.”

In addition, Mr. Kurtis’ most recent series, Cold Case Minute, which airs locally on CBS 2 and profiles unsolved cases from the Chicago area, demonstrates his ongoing dedication to assisting law enforcement.

Mr. Kurtis follows Larry Wert, President, Central and Western Region, NBC Local Media, who was the 2008 DCLA recipient.

An awards luncheon honoring Mr. Kurtis is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. today at Harry Caray’s Restaurant, 33 West Kinzie in Chicago. Mr. Kurtis is also invited to attend an awards ceremony, to be held in Washington, D.C. in March, at which time DCLA recipients from across the nation will be honored by Director Mueller.