Deputy Chief Voto Graduates From FBI National Training Academy

Two hundred sixty-four law enforcement officers graduated last month from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, VA. Among them was Deputy Chief John S. Voto of the Tewksbury Police Department.

According to Tewksbury Police Chief Timothy Sheehan, the National Academy Program is Internationally known for its academic excellence. The challenging, 10-week program is held at the FBI Academy and offers "advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for selected Officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies," said Sheehan.

"It's an outstanding program," said Voto. "Every day I was down there I was learning something new."

The waiting list to get into the academy is lengthy. Voto waited several years before getting notificatiion he would be attending this year.

On average, the officers chosen to participate in the program have 19 years of Law Enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in Executive-level positions.

Sheehan, himself is a past graduate of the training program, as is former Tewksbury Police Chief Alfred Donovan.

Voto's classmates included men and women from 49 states. Included in the class are members of Law Enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 24 International Countries, three Military Organizations, and four Federal Civilian Organizations.

Voto said one of the best parts of the program was the contacts he made and relationships he forged over the course of 10 weeks.

"I got the chance to meet some really great people -- sit down with them, get to know them," said Voto. "These are people I'm hoping to remain in contact with."

Training for the program is provided by FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.

The FBI National Academy Training program began in 1935 anbd since then has graduated 46,082 men and women.

"Acceptance into the National Academy Program is one of the most prestigious honors a law enforcement executive can have bestowed upon him or her," said Sheehan. "We are proud of Deputy Chief Voto’s selection, accomplishments, and graduation. We are looking forward to the Department and Community benefits associated with attendance in this internationally renowned executive development training program."