Ripken Foundation Receives FBI Community Leadership Award

The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has been given a prestigious award from the Federal Bureau of Investigations for its work with at-risk youth, according to a release. 

“The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has been a consistent presence in working with at-risk young people for over 12 years,” Stephen Vogt, special agent in charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office, said in a release. “The lessons learned by these children will stay with them their entire lives. The FBI’s Baltimore Field Office is proud to recognize the Ripken family and this outstanding Foundation.”

Steve Salem, President of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, accepted the award on behalf of the foundation on April 5.

“We are grateful for the support of our friends in the law enforcement community” Salem said. “It was truly an honor for the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to be recognized by Director [Robert S.] Mueller and the FBI for our contribution to children.”

Fifty-six awards are presented annually from agents in charge of FBI field offices to individuals or organizations committed to community crime prevention. 

"The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation uses baseball and softball to teach disadvantaged youth perseverance, loyalty, nutrition, hard work and leadership," the release states.

"Several programs have been developed to positively impact at-risk youth, including Badges for Baseball, a community crime prevention initiative, in conjunction with the United States Department of Justice," the release continues. "The program enhances the relationship between law enforcement, including FBI Baltimore, and youth in communities nationwide."

Follow Aberdeen Patch on Facebook and Twitter and don't forget to sign up for the daily newsletter.