R. Joe Clark, special agent in charge of the FBI's Knoxville office, presented the award to Brunson. "The two operative words in this award are 'community' and 'leadership,' both of which she exemplifies," Clark said.

The most significant criteria for the award are the quality and quantity of contributions to the community in support of the criminal justice system. Brunson has organized forums to educate the public about drug and violence issues, and has arranged continuing education for local treatment and prevention agencies. She was also credited with getting a Drug Free Community Grant Award for youth substance abuse prevention, the only Tennessee recipient of the grant.

Brunson said she was "shocked and touched" by the award. "If they think my efforts are helping, I am truly honored," she said of the FBI.