Urbana Lieutenant graduates from FBI National Academy

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — An Urbana Police Lieutenant graduated from the FBI National Academy Thursday in Quantico, Va.

Lieutenant Dave Smysor is now one of a couple of Urbana Police officers to graduate the 10-week program. The course includes special training on communication, leadership, and fitness.

To participate in the program, participants must have “proven records” within their department, according to a press release sent from Richard Surles, the Deputy Chief of Police in Urbana. The release also said that participants often return from the program to serve at their agency in upper-level positions.

Smysor was a member of the 291st graduating session. This class included representatives from almost every state, and more than 20 other countries.

“On behalf of the entire department, I am incredibly proud of Lt. Smysor for successfully completing the internationally recognized FBI National Academy. This prestigious achievement not only reflects his personal dedication to professional growth but also enhances the capabilities of our department as a whole,” Police Chief Larry Boone said. “We are fortunate to have such a committed and highly trained leader serving our community, and I have no doubt that his experience at the Academy will further strengthen our mission to keep Urbana safe.”

Smysor has worked for the Urbana Police Department for more than 20 years. In that time, he’s held positions like patrol officer, field training officer, detective, sergeant and more. He holds a degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration from Western Illinois University and has also graduated from the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University.

204 people graduated from the Quantico-based course Thursday. Nationally, less than 1% of officers have the opportunity to attend the FBI National Academy. Since its beginning in 1935, 55,186 people have completed the 10-week program.

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