Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and Grace Leon Selected for Top National U.S. Marshals Service Awards

Cleveland, OH– United States Marshal Peter Elliott announces the local recipients for two of the United States Marshals Service 42nd Director’s Honorary Awards. These are the highest honors granted by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) to recognize employees and citizens who perform in an exemplary manner in support of our Agency’s missions.  The awards ceremony will be held on August 21, 2024, in Washington, D.C. at the United States Department of Justice.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) was selected for one of the Distinguished Group Awards for District Task Force.  The task force was recognized for its dedicated service to the citizens and communities all across northern Ohio.  The NOVFTF works tirelessly to locate and arrest the most violent fugitives, and also runs operations that have focused on violent offenders, gangs, firearm offenses and the recovery of missing children.  The NOVFTF was created in 2003 in memory of slain Cleveland Police Officer Wayne Leon.  It is now comprised of 150 federal, state and local agencies, and has over 350 task force officers.  Because of this strong partnership that has been built with our partner agencies, the NOVFTF has arrested over 55,000 fugitives since 2003. This is the eighth national award received by the U.S. Marshals Service in Northern Ohio since 2003.

Stark County Sheriff George Maier stated, “This prestigious recognition underscores the exceptional performance and unwavering commitment of our task force in supporting critical missions.  This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team members, who continually go above and beyond to ensure the safety of our communities by removing violent criminals from the streets.”

Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer added, “I want to give a well-deserved congratulations to the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force on receiving a Director’s Award for Distinguished Group.  This highest honor was earned by the men and women of the task force who do the incredibly challenging and dangerous work of removing violent fugitives from our streets.  The Euclid Police Department is proud and honored to have such a long-standing partnership with the NOVFTF. Recently, this task force was instrumental in tracking down the suspect who murdered Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin #14 on May 11th, 2024.”

U.S Marshal Pete Elliott also added, “The success of the NOVFTF is due to the strong partnerships we have built over the years.  Maintaining this level of success for more than 20 years is an incredible tribute to the dedicated men and women who have worked tirelessly pursuing the most dangerous fugitives in our area.”

The Citizen of the Year Award is presented to a person who has made a significant contribution to the mission of the United States Marshals Service or to their community.  This year, Cleveland’s Grace Leon was selected for this award.  Grace became a police widow on June 25, 2000, when her husband Wayne, a Cleveland Police Officer, was shot during a traffic stop by a wanted fugitive.  From this tragedy, Grace became a Licensed Social Worker, and in a true full circle, is now assisting families of homicide victims.  Grace is a Crisis Intervention Specialist and is embedded with the Cleveland Police Homicide Unit. Grace also generously donates her time to many community organizations and has been a strong supporter of the U.S. Marshals Service, the NOVFTF and our Fugitive Safe Surrender program since it was started in 2005.  

Cleveland Division of Police Chief Annie Todd stated, “It’s fitting that Grace Leon receives this prestigious national award. Her volunteer efforts working with families of homicide victims for over two decades has provided not only comfort, but a skill she has shared from her personal experiences and her professional education.  The assignment of Grace Leon, from Frontline Services to the Cleveland Division of Police has been a unique resource for not only the families of homicide victims, but also for officers. We are fortunate to have her within our Division.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous. Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is comprised of Divisions in the following areas: Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Lorain, Mansfield, Painesville, Toledo, and Youngstown.

Source: U.S. Marshals Service, usmarshals.gov