FrontLiner recognized with national FBI award
The Cleveland FBI presented Grace with her award during a private ceremony in March. (Photo by Susan Licate, Public Affairs Officer, FBI Cleveland)
The FBI Office of Public Affairs in Washington, D.C. has awarded Grace Leon with the 2022 Director's Community Leadership Award for her service as a liaison between Cleveland homicide detectives and families dealing with tremendous grief.
Since 2015, Grace has served as a crisis intervention specialist with Frontline's Traumatic Loss Response Team. After losing her husband, Cleveland police officer Wayne Leon, in the line of duty, Grace decided to become a licensed social worker to help others impacted by traumatic loss. Over the years, Grace has counseled thousands of people whose lives have been touched by homicide. Recognizing this contribution, the Cleveland Division of the FBI nominated her for this award.
"It is her knowledge and her passion to help those in pain that is invaluable," said Cleveland FBI Director Greg Nelsen.
Grace will travel to Washington, D.C. in May to be recognized at a national ceremony.