Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Albuquerque Field Office, right, presents Tim Sheahan with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award on Dec. 8, for his service. Courtesy/FBI
FBI News:
The FBI has named Tim Sheahan as the recipient of the 2024 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for the Albuquerque Field Office.
The FBI established the DCLA in 1990 to publicly acknowledge the achievements of those working to make a difference in their communities through the promotion of education and the prevention of crime and violence. Each year, one person or organization from each of the FBI’s 55 field offices is chosen to receive this prestigious award.
Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Albuquerque Field Office presented Tim Sheahan with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for his service to the law enforcement community of Albuquerque. Sheahan’s extensive volunteer work with local, county, and federal law enforcement agencies helped him gain an understanding of their goals and objectives, as well as the needs of his community. This knowledge gave him the tools to build a bridge between the two, allowing them to work together and improve the community in the process.
“FBI Albuquerque is proud to recognize Tim Sheahan, who has selflessly made the needs of law enforcement in New Mexico and the community his top priority,” Garris said. “Tim’s work illustrates the critical nature of local partnerships and the importance working together to protect our communities.”
In 2022, Sheahan created a rapid response team dedicated to supporting law enforcement officers in times of need. In 2024, the State of New Mexico faced several trying events, which included officers who were killed in the line of duty as well as two devastating wildfires that claimed the lives of two civilians. Without hesitation, Sheahan deployed his rapid response team in partnership with the FBI to provide meals and support to the agencies who responded and were directly impacted from these occurrences. Additionally, Sheahan has continued to work with local law enforcement agencies to include Albuquerque, Crime Stoppers, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and the Albuquerque Police Department.
His volunteer involvement with these agencies includes but is not limited to; providing and serving water and food to APD cadets and officers at DUI check points and receptions for fallen officers, assisting as a K9 decoy during training and creating the idea of “Cruiser Bags” distribution, which involves taking goodie-bags to all substations for patrol officers as a token of gratitude for their work.
“It has been a privilege to act as a bridge; facilitating understanding and building trust between federal and local law enforcement officials and the citizens of the community. Appreciation goes to the dedicated law enforcement officials at the local, state, and federal levels for their work in keeping communities safe,” Sheahan said. “Supporting their efforts is a pleasure, as a strong partnership between law enforcement and the public is vital for a thriving society. This award validates the importance of community outreach and engagement. It encourages continuing work as an ambassador, connecting the FBI with the communities they serve, fostering open dialogue, and working together to build a safer future for everyone.”
“The FBI recognizes the important role that community partnerships play in keeping our shared communities safe. These partnerships – as exemplified by the breadth of the work by the DCLA recipients – have led to a host of crime prevention programs that protect the most vulnerable in our communities, educate families and businesses about cyber threats, and work to reduce violent crime in our neighborhoods. Learn more about the Director’s Community Leadership Award program, the FBI’s general outreach efforts, and the Albuquerque Field Office online.”
Sheahan’s extensive volunteer work includes: Past President-FBI Albuquerque Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association, Member and Regional Coordinator-National FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, Member-Rotary Club of Albuquerque, Past President-Albuquerque Police Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association, Member-Bernalillo County Sheriffs Citizens Academy Alumni Association, Vice Chair-La Vida Llena Life Plan Community and Chairman of the Board-Albuquerque Metro Crimestoppers.