Two hundred and sixty-five law enforcement officers graduated on Sept. 17 from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 299th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 44 states and the District of Columbia. The class also included 29 international members of law enforcement agencies from 28 countries, five military organizations and four 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 usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
Deputy Police Chief Tom Webb, who has served with Effingham Police Department since 2010, was one of the graduates of this elite class. During the course, FBI Academy instructors, special agents and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields.
FBI Director Kashyap P. Patel delivered remarks at the ceremony. Class spokesperson Darnel Robinson from the Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, D.C. represented the graduating officers.
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.
Since its establishment in 1935, the FBI National Academy has graduated a total of 57,461 law enforcement professionals. Deputy Chief Webb joins a distinguished group of Effingham Police Department officers who have represented the City of Effingham through their participation in the National Academy. Prior to Webb, four Effingham Police officers have graduated from the prestigious program and gone on to become Effingham Police Chiefs:
• John Lange, Session 171 (1992), Chief of Police 1993-2003
• Michael Schutzbach, Session 223 (2003), Chief of Police 2003-2016
• Jason McFarland, Session 244 (2011), Chief of Police 2019-2025
• Kurt Davis, Session 282 (2022), Chief of Police 2025-present
The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.
Reflecting on his experience, Webb noted, “The FBI National Academy was an incredible experience, both professionally and personally. The opportunity to learn alongside law enforcement leaders from across the country, exchange ideas and perspectives, and bring those experiences back with me is something I will carry throughout my career. While I’m grateful for the experience and everything I learned, I’m especially happy to be back home with my family and back in the community I’m proud to serve. I’m looking forward to putting what I learned at the National Academy to work for the Effingham Police Department and continuing to serve the people of Effingham.”