Lemont Police Commander Departs for Prestigious FBI Academy

Lemont Police Cmdr. Greg Smith took temporary leave from the department earlier this month to attend the FBI National Academy, an intense 10-week training program for law enforcement leaders around the globe.

Unlike the FBI Academy, which trains potential agents, the Virginia-based FBI National Academy offers police officers the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of leadership and specialized training courses in the areas of law, behavioral science, forensic science, terrorism, leadership development, communication and health/fitness. 

The prestigious program is held four times each year, and accepts about 250 officers each session.

Smith was notified of his acceptance to the program in March. His classes began this month at the FBI campus in Quantico, VA, with graduation scheduled for September.

"I was really surprised when I got the news," Smith said. "It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time, so I couldn't be happier."

Smith has been with the for the past 20 years, working as a patrol officer and a detective before getting promoted to commander six years ago. He currently oversees human resources and the administrative responsibilities of the department.

In recent years, Smith has worked to advance his education in law enforcement through programs like the School of Police Staff and Command at the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety.

Participating in the FBI National Academy is a dream come true, he said.

"It's a great opportunity for advancement and to learn best practices from some of the top law enforcement professionals out there," he said.

The FBI established the National Academy — initially referred to as "FBI Police Training School" — in 1935 in response to a study that recommended the standardization of law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S. through centralized training.

In order to apply, officers must hold a minimum rank of lieutenant and be endorsed by the head of their department.

Nominees must be at least 25 years old and in excellent physical condition (confirmed by a thorough examination), possess "an excellent character and enjoy a reputation for professional integrity," and exhibit an interest in law enforcement as a public service.

Smith said he began the application process in October 2011. He was recommended for the program by Lemont Police Chief Kevin Shaughnessy, who was thrilled to learn of Smith's acceptance in March.

"Over the past couple of years, Cmdr. Smith has taken it upon himself to pursue an advanced degree," Shaughnessy said in an email. "His appointment to the FBI National Academy will further his management training, and provide the Lemont Police Department with a graduate from the top law enforcement academy in the world. Cmdr. Smith has earned the opportunity, and we look forward to his graduation."

Smith said he expects to take seven classes while he's in Virginia. He'll also take part in a grueling fitness test known as the "Yellow Brick Road. During the 6.1-mile run, officers must climb over walls, run through creeks, jump through simulated windows, scale rocks with ropes and crawl under barbed wire in muddy water.

Participants who complete the challenge are sent home with a yellow brick to commemorate the achievement.

"It's going to be an intense 10 weeks, but I'm not nervous at all," Smith said. "I think it's an exciting opportunity to learn and better myself as a police officer."

Editor's Note: This story was originally published March 15.

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