The FBI Jacksonville Field Office is pleased to announce Pastor Korey O’Neal, program director for Project RISE, as the recipient of the 2024 DCLA for his partnership with FBI Jacksonville and our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and violent gang activity in North Florida.
“Our partnership with Pastor O’Neal and Projects has impacted the lives of countless at-risk youths and their families in our area,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “In addition, Pastor O’Neal’s leadership and compassion have built lasting trust between law enforcement and the community, showing that real change happens when we work together.”
“I’m building a legacy of impact, not a record of possessions,” said Pastor Korey O’Neal. “I choose to be impactful instead of impressive.”
Since 2021, the FBI Jacksonville Safe Streets Task Force has partnered with Partnership for Child Health and other local law enforcement partners in a community-based violence reduction strategy rooted in proactive engagement with at-risk, primarily minority, underprivileged youth.
“The Hope and the Hammer” program is one such initiative. It includes regular visits to households of people deemed to be at risk of a life of violent crime and violent gangs. Law enforcement officers, including FBI special agents, join Pastor O’Neal to engage directly with families. Together, they work to forge a better path forward. Pastor O’Neal also provides guidance to individuals and their family members about critical resources and alternatives to incarceration or gang involvement. Through Project RISE, Pastor O’Neal customizes assistance to include access to job placement, education, medical services, rehabilitation, financial assistance, mental health resources, faith-based networks, community facilities, tattoo removal, legal assistance, WIC services, etc.
The FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award was formally created in 1990 to honor individuals and organizations for their extraordinary contributions to the prevention of crime and violence in the community. Every year, FBI field offices around the country select a community partner to receive the award. FBI Jacksonville has previously honored retired NAS Pensacola Captain Timothy F. “Lucky” Kinsella Jr., Duval County Public Schools Parent Academy, and Pastor Korey O’Neal.
For more information about this prestigious award, please go to: https://www.fbi.gov/dcla
