Lieutenant Bob Vander Yacht recently attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Beginning January 8, Lt. Vander Yacht and his classmates studied many different areas of police leadership. The academy concluded with a graduation ceremony on March 17. Lt. Vander Yacht has been with the Bellingham Police Department for 31 years and has served in many different areas. Lt. Vander Yacht will be stepping into his new assignment as the department's Outreach Commander. Lt. Vander Yacht is also the Commander of the Hazardous Devices Unit. Congratulations, and welcome back Lt. Vander Yacht!
Below is the official press release from the FBI National Academy if you would like to learn more about it.
March 17,2017
Two hundred and twenty –seven Law enforcement officers graduated today from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia. The 267th Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states. Included in the class are members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 25 international countries, three military organizations, and eight federal civilian organizations.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
FBI Director James Comey was the principal speaker at the ceremony.
Training for the program is 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.
Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered.
The graduating officers were represented by the class spokesperson, Jon “JT” Taylor, Assistant Chief, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Police, Texas. A total of 49,913 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935.
