Four law enforcement officers from Northern Ohio were among the 264 law enforcement professionals who graduated from the 299th session of the FBI's National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
The officers are Phillip Bungo of the Brunswick Hills Police Department, Mathew Dunn, Sr. of the Shaker Heights Police Department, Michael Fuduric of the Mentor Police Department, and Joseph Hunt of the Cleveland State University Police Department.
FBI Director Patel delivered remarks at the ceremony and honored the highly skilled men and women who will continue to serve their communities with professionalism and integrity.
"We are pleased to congratulate four outstanding law enforcement leaders from Northern Ohio and support their professional growth through the skills and knowledge they've gained at the Academy. Their commitment to these principles will resonate as they lead their respective departments while protecting the people and communities they serve," said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Josh DelManzo.
Recognized worldwide for its academic excellence, the FBI's National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced leadership classes, communication courses, and fitness challenges. Candidates must demonstrate proven records as professionals within their agencies to even be considered for selection into the program. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and professional support teams provide specialized training during each session, and students can earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which has accredited many National Academy courses since 1972.
Since its inception in 1935, more than 56,000 public safety professionals have graduated from the FBI National Academy, which is housed at the FBI Academy in Quantico at the same facility where new FBI special agents and intelligence analysts receive training.