BOULDER CITY – Boulder City Police Department Commander Aaron Johnson recently returned from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 282nd session of the National Academy graduated 254 men and women from across the country. Law Enforcement Officers from 47 states, 37 countries, four military organizations, and nine federal and civilian agencies were also in the session.
The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, VA - the same place where new special agents receive their training. Getting accepted into the program is tough – officers must have exemplary records and most have more than 20 years of law enforcement experience. Participants undergo ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training.
Commander Johnson has been with the Boulder City Police Department since 2006 and was promoted to the second highest rank within the department in 2021. “The hardest part was being away from my family for 10 weeks,” Commander Johnson said. “But it was great to meet and connect with law enforcement professionals from around the world, with whom I still communicate daily.”
The graduation ceremony was held in June, and FBI Director Christopher Wray delivered remarks to the class. “I learned a lot about myself during the session,” said Commander Johnson. “With the connections I’ve made, I can ask a single question that reaches about 250 classmates. Within seconds, I will have multiple responses to the question. What that does for Boulder City is provides a quicker response to community issues.”
“Policing today is challenging, so having Commander Johnson’s leadership is important to the department and to our residents,” said City Manager Taylour Tedder. “I hope this rigorous training will help inspire others – especially our youth - in our community to consider careers in law enforcement.”
Training is provided by FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees. Many of the instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. The National Academy is accredited by the University of Virginia. Students can earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the courses offered.
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