BUFFALO, N.Y. — Every day, Stop the Violence Coalition President Murray Holman heads to work at the corner of East Delavan and Grider.

His job? Making sure kids don't fall victim to the streets.    

"We're on this corner every day to ensure safe passage for the kids. They come out of MST High School, which is up the street here. We take up the four corners and make sure the kids get safe passage home, don't go in the store and buy cigarettes, things of that nature. No fights, things like that, and have safe passage home," said Holman.

Growing up on these same streets in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Holman says he was once one of those kids until he made a conscious decision to turn his life around.

"You take, take, take, and you think you're above the law when you're younger, and then you decide, something clicks-off in your mind, it's really God clicking off in your mind telling you, ‘you need to change your life and the way you  do things,’" said Holman.

From that day forward, Holman says he's dedicated his life to helping kids avoid the pitfalls of guns and gangs. He also works closely with Buffalo Police in solving many of the violent crimes in the city.         

"We've talked to Murray early in the morning, late at night. Anytime there's been a shooting, anytime there's been a serious incident, Murray's been one of the first people that we call," said Capt. Steve Nichols, Buffalo Police Department.      

That work has not gone unnoticed. Last Friday, the FBI presented Holman with an award recognizing him for his work in the community.

"U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau Investigation in recognition of outstanding service to the local community and enduring contributions to the advancement of justice, the Director's Community Leadership Award is presented to Murray Holman 2017, Christopher A. Ray, Director  FBI." said Kevin Lyons, acting special agent in charge of Buffalo Office of the FBI.

Holman says he's humbled by the honor and he just hopes it'll help him get the word out about the Stop Violence Coalition and its mission. 

"Hopefully, the people here in Buffalo will recognize that we need help in order to push this message through, not just with boots on the ground but with a pen as well," said Holman.

Holman will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in April.