Provided by the Dunellen Police Department
Pictured from Left to Right: Chief Jeffrey Nelson, Lt. Daniel Smith, Sgt. Jeffrey Delbuono
Lt. Daniel Smith of the Dunellen Police Department was one of 230 law enforcement officers who graduated on December 11th, 2015 from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia.
The free federal program offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training 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. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
“I learned about the program from retired Lieutenant Frank Bottiglieri and Chief Matthew Geist of Middlesex Borough Police Department. They attended the program in 2012 and 2013 and believed it was a great experience for their law enforcement career,” said Smith. “Generally, only six or seven officers from New Jersey are selected to attend each session.” Smith received his salary during the training and paid for expenses and travel out of pocket.
A total of 48,791 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The 262nd Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 47 states. Included in the class are members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 27 international countries, four military organizations, and two federal civilian organizations.