The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

OFFICER OF THE MONTH - NOVEMBER 1998

SPECIAL AGENT CRAIG M. ARNOLD
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION'S
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, FIELD OFFICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has announced the selection of of Special Agent Craig M. Arnold, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Kansas City, Missouri, Field Office, as its Officer of the Month for November 1998.

"The United States and its citizens are extremely fortunate to have a law enforcement officer of Special Agent Arnold's extraordinary talents walking the thin blue line between crime and safety," stated NLEOMF chairman Craig W. Floyd. "His daily dedication to courageously fighting crime and his deep concern for those affected by crime personifies law enforcement excellence."

Special Agent Craig M. Arnold went to college, became a Marine, obtained a law degree and then, instead of becoming a lawyer, he became a cop. After serving as a Massachusetts state probation officer, Special Agent Arnold joined the FBI in September 1983.

For the past 15 years, Special Agent Arnold has dedicated his life to law enforcement. One of the FBI's most decorated agents, he is the only agent to have received the FBI's Shield of Bravery and its Medal of Valor. The Shield of Bravery came in 1991 when he drove his car into a fire fight and collided with kidnappers who were threatening to execute their hostage. Special Agent Arnold not only saved the hostage's life but thwarted the escape attempts of the kidnappers.

"Craig is the first agent you want at your back when you go through the door to make an arrest," says Special Agent in Charge Larry McCormick of the Kansas City Office. "He's also the first agent you want to call when you need a compassionate but strong shoulder to lean on."

Recognizing the need for peer support after being involved in a violent incident, Special Agent Arnold volunteered to become a peer support counselor for the FBI. He has been called upon by several FBI Field Offices and by local and state entities to share his experiences, and to provide practical advice, guidance, and counseling to those involved in these traumatic situations. "Sometimes I feel guilty", says Special Agent Arnold, "because helping these individuals gives me such personal satisfaction. I realized after my personal experience the need to talk to a peer about what had happened." Special Agent Arnold also works with the Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), a national support group for the survivors of officers killed in the line of duty.

Taking a life is a life changing event. In January 1997, Special Agent Arnold was forced to take such action to save the lives of other officers and a cooperating witness. During an undercover assignment the dealer began unexpectedly firing at the witness. Special Agent Arnold and another officer took immediate and decisive action saving the witness and other backup officers. Special Agent Arnold received the Medal of Valor for this act of extreme heroism.

Currently a member of the FBI's Violent Crimes/Gang Squad, he has served as a member of various Special Weapons and Tactical (SWAT) teams. In this capacity he has assisted with the 1993 Lufthansa skyjacking case, the investigation of a major New York organized crime group, the protection of foreign dignitaries and defendants, the arrests of terrorists who planned to bomb the United Nations building and several Hudson River terminals, and he assisted in St. Thomas with the aftermath of Hurricane Marilyn. Most recently, Special Agent Arnold was called upon to assist with the investigation and related protection regarding the United States Embassy bombings in Africa. Special Agent Douglas Spillers who has worked closely with Special Agent Arnold for many years, says of his partner, "It doesn't matter what he's doing, you know it's going to be done in a truly professional manner."

Special Agent Arnold's life reflects Beryl Markham's comment in her book, Flew West with the Night. "If a man has any greatness in him," she said, "it comes to light not in one flamboyant hour, but in the ledger of his daily work." Special Agent Arnold's ledger is full.