Laramie Police Department Assistant Chief Graduates FBI Academy

Laramie Police Department Assistant Chief Robert Terry recently celebrated his graduation fromt he FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Not to be confused with the FBI Training Academy, which trains FBI recruits, the FBI National Academy is, according to its website, "a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities." Terry is one of 249 graduates from the current class, which marks the 274th session of the FBI National Academy. Included in the class were law enforcement members from all 50 states, as well as members of law enforcement from the District of Columbia, more than 20 countries, and five military organizations, according to a press release.

The process for getting in to the academy was not an easy one, Terry mentioned in a phone interview. The process began with a nomination from Laramie Police Department Chief Dale Stalder, who nominated Terry within the Rocky Mountain Region of the FBI. Terry then had to go through a background investigation process and compete with members of law enforcement in Colorado for one of four spots from the region.

During the 11 week program, Terry took classes in leadership and physical training, but mentioned that he learned the most from discussions with fellow law enforcement officers from across the country and around the world.

Terry also said that support from home was crucial to his success at the academy and wanted to make sure to thank the people he says he couldn't have completed the journey without, including his wife and family. He also gave special thanks to his colleagues at the Laramie Police Department for covering his duties during his time at the academy.

Of his time at the academy, Terry said that "it's a humbling experience. It lives up to everything you're told."