Pictured (l. to r.) are FBI Director Christopher Wray and Benton Police Department’s Lieutenant Brian Bigelow.
A local officer just graduated from the 291st Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, according to Benton Police Department.
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Congratulations to Lieutenant Brian Bigelow was among the 254 law enforcement officers who graduated on September 12, 2024. The session was comprised of men and women from 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam and included members of law enforcement agencies from 26 countries, seven military organizations, and seven federal civilian organizations.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and often return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees- many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields- provide the training. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits all the National Academy courses offered.
FBI Director Christopher Wray delivered remarks at the ceremony, which included a personal thank you to Lieutenant Bigelow for being instrumental in creating the inaugural skydiving challenge for National Academy attendees. Bigelow is a licensed skydiver, and he organized tandem skydives for 27 students and 2 instructors during their weekends while attending the session.
A 23-year veteran of the department, Bigelow is currently assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division and has also served on the SWAT Team for 19 years.
There are currently six active members of the Benton Police Department who are FBI National Academy graduates. Chief Hodges, Assistant Chief Besancon, Captain Baker, Captain Russell, and Captain Haworth are all graduates of prior National Academy sessions.
A total of 55,440 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility used by the FBI to train new special agents and intelligence analysts.