Musse Olol chairs the Somali American Council of Oregon
BY JIM REDDEN
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
U.S. GOVERNMENT / FBI
Musse Olol (left) and Oregon FBI Special Agent in Charge Greg Fowler |
The Portland Division of the FBI has awarded Musse Olol, the chairman and spokesman for the Somali American Council of Oregon, its FBI Director's Community Leadership Award.
The award was made to recognize Olol's many years of community service. The mission of the Portland-based SACOO is to empower the Somali community by enhancing relationships between members, statewide and federal agencies, while also promoting cultural expression and diversity.
In making the announcement, the FBI said Olol has been instrumental in organizing and leading efforts within the Somali community to promote public understanding and collaboration. He has focused on developing positive relationships between the Somali community and law enforcement, and he is also known for his work as a volunteer in assisting new Somali refugee families as an interpreter, facilitator, counselor and co-sponsor.
"Mr. Olol has worked to empower Somali families," says Greg Fowler, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. "His efforts have paved the way for these new immigrants to have strong, positive relationships with the wider community that we all share."
Each year, every FBI field office honors one person or organization with this award for outstanding contributions to their community through service. Olol will travel to Washington, D.C., in March 2012 to be personally recognized by FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III.
"It is quite an honor to receive this level of recognition and we are humbled by it," says Mr. Olol. "SACOO members were called in to fill leadership void of our community. This award further strengthens our commitment to our community to achieve an environment of unity and hope that will lead to successful citizens."
Olol has lived in Oregon for 30 years, and he graduated from Portland State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He currently works in the field of water and wastewater engineering.
To find out more information about the Somali American Council of Oregon, go to http://sacoo.org/