BUFFALO, N.Y. — FBI Special Agent Randall Garver has been named the Western District of New York’s 2026 Hometown Hero, according to a June 5 announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the Hometown Hero award commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and recognizes the ideals of liberty, service and civic responsibility. The office described the award as honoring people whose work has made significant and measurable contributions to preserve or improve their community.

Garver serves as the head of the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Squad, according to the announcement. The office said his work includes securing evidence, obtaining search warrants and assisting prosecutors through litigation.

The release also emphasized the human side of Garver’s role, saying he remains in contact with victims and their families, earns their trust and helps guide them through difficult cases. ThinBlueNews is keeping those details broad and is not adding victim names or case specifics beyond the DOJ announcement.

“Special Agent Garver is relentless and tireless in his work on behalf of the most vulnerable members of our community, our children,” DiGiacomo said in the release. “He has been a trusted law enforcement partner to the WDNY for many years and has garnered the universal respect of every Assistant U.S. Attorney that he works with. Special Agent Garver is truly a ‘Hometown Hero.’”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Garver is also a West Point graduate and combat veteran who spends free time volunteering with veteran organizations and coaching youth athletics.

For communities that support law enforcement, the story is a reminder that some of the most important public-safety work is never captured in a viral clip. It happens in investigations, interviews, court preparation and the long-term care required when children and families are navigating the justice system.

Source reviewed: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York press release, June 5, 2026.

Featured image note: the image uses the real DOJ/U.S. Attorney’s Office award-presentation photo with ThinBlueNews headline labeling. No AI-generated incident scene, fake rescue image or reenactment visual was used.