Deputy Chief Armando Sanders of the Montgomery Police Department graduated on March 16, 2018 from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia. He joined two hundred and twenty-three law enforcement officers. The 271st Session of the FBI National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states. Included in the class are members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 18 international countries, five military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
FBI Director Christopher Asher Wray was the principal speaker at the ceremony. Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.
Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered.
The graduating officers were represented by the class spokesperson, Ralph Cilento, New York Police Department, New York, New York. A total of 50,808 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935.
Deputy Chief Sanders stated, “I was honored and humbled to represent the Village of Montgomery in this amazing experience. The education, training and networking are invaluable as a law enforcement executive.”