Downers Grove Chief of Police Kurt Bluder announced Thursday that Deputy Chief Shanon Gillette graduated from the 263rd session of the FBI National Academy.
The internationally acclaimed academy provides 10 weeks of training in executive leadership for selected officers. Candidates for the program are chosen based on their proven records of professional excellence within their respective agencies.
"Professional development of our leadership staff is an essential component in protecting our community," Chief Bluder said. "Our continuing partnership with the FBI has made this type of education available to the Downers Grove Police Department."
The National Academy is conducted at the FBI Training Complex located in Quantico, Va. The officers receive advanced training in cybercrime, constitutional law, media relations, organizational development, physical fitness and the Presidential Task Force on 21st Century Policing.
After the training, officers can return to their communities to take on today’s advanced criminal challenges. As a graduate of the academy, Gillette will receive a certificate in Graduate Studies from the University of Virginia.
"Attending the National Academy was an incredibly rewarding experience,” Gillette said. “I am grateful to the Village of Downers Grove and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the opportunity to train alongside such a distinguished group of law enforcement leaders. I would also like to thank my family and colleagues who supported my attendance at the academy."
Deputy Chief Gillette was part of a class of 230 National Academy graduates, which represented 47 states, the District of Columbia and 27 other nations. He is a 23-year veteran of Downers Grove police force.
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