From the Abilene Police Department:
Two hundred and twenty–two Law enforcement officers graduated today from the FBI National Academy Program in Quantico, Virginia. The 266th Session of the 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, 20 international countries, five military organizations, and eight federal civilian organizations.
Among the graduating class was Abilene Police Department Lt. Gerald Moran. Lt. Moran has served on the Department for 23 and-a-half years. He is currently the Lieutenant over the Responsive Intelligence Division, which includes the Intelligence Unit and Street Crimes Unit. He spent 12 years on SWAT, with eight of those years as a counter-sniper and four as a counter-sniper team leader. As a Sergeant, he served as an Internal Affairs Investigator. His military background includes four years active duty in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Dyess. He was deployed numerous times in the fight against terror during Operation Desert Storm / Desert Shield.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers eleven 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.
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, Thomas Anthony Verdi, Deputy Chief, Providence Police Department, Providence, Rhode Island. A total of 49,686 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935.
“It has truly been an honor to represent my Department while attending FBINA #266 as only one percent of all law enforcement is ever selected to attend. The instructors and staff here were all professional, extraordinary people who truly love what they do. I feel blessed to have been allowed to attend.” – Lt. Moran.