Louis E. Peters Memorial Award

Louis E. Peters was a successful automobile dealer in California. In 1977, the Bonanno organized-crime family approached him to buy his dealership to use the business to launder illegal funds. Peters went to the FBI and offered to help in whatever way he could. To protect his family from threats and violence, Lou found himself with no other choice but to obtain a legal separation from his wife. For the next 20 months, he secretly recorded conversations with Mafia leader Joseph Bonanno Sr., and others, dedicating himself tirelessly to the investigation. Due in large part to Peters' selfless actions, Joseph Bonnano Sr., was sentenced to five years in prison on an obstruction of justice charge. FBI Director William H. Webster presented Peters with an award that read in part, "To Lou Peters, who set new standards of patriotism, of selflessness, and of valor, with the gratitude and respect of his FBI friends." It is in this vein that the FBI and the Society jointly established the Louis E. Peters Memorial Service Award. The Award has been presented at the National Conference since 1982 to that person who best exemplifies the standards set by Peters in providing service to the FBI and the nation. A $5,000 check is presented to the recipient along with this high civilian honor.