CHICAGO NEWS EXECUTIVE HONORED BY FBI

Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced today that Larry Wert, President, Central and Western Region, NBC Local Media, is the 2008 Chicago recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award (DCLA).

The DCLA award is presented annually to an individual or organization by each of the FBI's 56 field offices. Established in 1990, the DCLA is designed to publicly recognize the achievements of recipients who have helped with crime prevention and educational programs within their community and furthered the efforts of law enforcement.

In selecting Mr. Wert as the 2008 recipient of this prestigious award, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III noted the invaluable assistance that Telemundo Chicago (WSNS-TV), which is owned by NBC Universal, has provided during the past year with their "Unsolved Crimes" segment. This show, which airs each Friday evening during their 10:00 p.m. newscast, profiles a fugitive or serial bank robber wanted by the FBI's Chicago office, to Chicago's growing Hispanic community.

Mr. Wert, who is a 2004 graduate of the FBI's Citizens Academy program, has supported efforts by the Chicago FBI to train members of the law enforcement community in effective media relations. Mr. Wert was also a sponsor of local celebrations surrounding the FBI's 100th anniversary last summer.

In announcing this award, Mr. Grant noted the dedication and personal involvement exhibited by Mr. Wert during the past year. Said Mr. Grant, "Larry Wert has been tireless in his support of the law enforcement community. Not only have his efforts led to the arrest of several suspects wanted for violent crimes, but he has helped to improve both the understanding and working relationship between the law enforcement community and news media."

Mr. Wert follows Andrew Finlayson, Vice-President and News Director at WFLD-TV (Fox 32), who was the 2007 DCLA recipient.

Mr. Wert will be honored at an awards luncheon scheduled for 11:30 a.m. today at Shula's Steak House, 301 East Water Street in Chicago. Mr. Wert is also invited to attend an awards ceremony to be held in Washington, D.C. on March 20th, at which time DCLA recipients from across the nation will be honored by Director Mueller.

EDITOR’s NOTE: Additional copies of the attached wanted flyer are available from the Chicago FBI press Office at (312) 829-1199.