Gwinnett County’s own Assistant Chief Chris Smith has joined the ranks of a prestigious few, graduating from the FBI National Academy on Thursday. The ceremony, marking the culmination of 11 weeks of rigorous training, was held at the Academy’s complex in Quantico, Virginia. With its stringent requirements and competitive selection process, less than one percent of law enforcement officers nationwide ascend to undergo this advanced program. Smith’s achievement is a testament to Gwinnett County Police Department’s dedication to nurturing leadership and expertise, as unveiled by the county’s official news release.
Assistant Chief Smith is now part of an elite alumni network that has been continuously expanding since the Academy’s inception in 1935. The 296th session saw 254 law enforcement officers, hailing from 47 states, the District of Columbia, 24 foreign nations, and members from various military and federal organizations, completing their training. It is a diverse cohort that Smith has been a part of; one forged through shared commitment to rigorously improve to manage the complexities of crime and justice in their respective communities. Smith, along with his colleagues, has had to defy the odds and to successfully navigate the Academy’s esteemed offering of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness programs.
“Assistant Chief Smith’s graduation from the FBI National Academy exemplifies Gwinnett County Police Department’s commitment to professional development and fostering growth within our organization,” was the statement echoed by the county’s news release. Totalling 56,688 since the Academy’s founding, Smith now joins the extensive network of alumni who have passed through its doors…