GATE - Awards/Recognition

Awards presented to the G.A.T.E. Program

In 2001, The G.A.T.E. program was awarded the prestigious "Frederick Thrasher Award" by the National Gang Crime Research Center. The award was for "Exemplary Programs for the Prevention and Intervention of Gangs."
In addition, Officer Robert Tornabene, the creator of the program was awarded the "Frederick Thrasher Award" for "Superior Service in the Prevention of Gangs".

Awards presented to the developer of the G.A.T.E. program

In 1998 Officer Tornabene was named "Gang Investigator of the Year" by the Illinois Chapter of the Midwest Gang Investigators Association. Officer Tornabene was selected because of his creation of the G.A.T.E. program and his efforts to combat gangs in his community.

In 2004, Mr. Tornabene was named "Police Officer 'Special Agent' of the Year" by the Niles Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Tornabene was selected among a variety of applicants and was selected for his work in the community, in acquiring grants for terrorism preparedness -interoperable communications, community development grants for lighting in high crime, high density community and a Citizen Corp grant.

In 2005, Officer Tornabene was named "Crime Prevention Officer of the Year", by the Illinois Crime Prevention Association for his efforts in community policing, gang prevention and drug intervention.

In 2005, Officer Tornabene was awarded "Frederick Milton Thrasher Award" by the National Gang Crime Research Center for his “life long service to youth in the prevention and reduction of gangs and gang violence.”