A recent graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Cape Coral Police Department’s deputy chief is looking forward to using his newly acquired knowledge and formed partnerships to better serve the city’s citizens.
Cape Coral Deputy Police Chief Bart Connelly graduated from the 240th session of the academy, located in Quantico, Va., on March 14. He has been with the CCPD since 1988 and heads the Operations Division, serving directly under Cape Police Chief Rob Petrovich as Petrovich’s second-in-command.
“Any time you can advance your leadership abilities, any time that you can learn or attend continuing education in such a prestigious learning institution such as the FBI National Academy,” Connelly said, “you’re going to add value to your decision-making and leadership abilities for your organization.”
The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for law enforcement leaders from the United States and international countries, according to a prepared statement. It serves to improve the administration of justice in agencies and to raise standards, knowledge and cooperation.
About 250 law enforcement and military officers attend each session, which lasts 10 weeks and consists of both undergraduate and graduate courses in legal issues, leadership, forensic and behavioral science, counterterrorism, and health and fitness. They participate in leadership and specialized training.
Connelly said 253 people graduated from the 240th session.
Nominated to attend the academy, Connelly had to undergo a background check, physical exam and application process before he was accepted. The majority of the course was funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. The city paid $2,354.53 — $2,134.53 for travel costs, and $220 for training.
In addition to the required course work, Connelly completed eight fitness events voluntarily. One event was combination run and obstacle course that increased up to a 9-mile challenge. He explained that the event became more challenging during the course of the 10 weeks. Another event was the FBI Swim Challenge, which required Connelly to swim 34 miles.
“You have to swim 34 miles within the time you were at Quantico,” he said.
Connelly feels he successfully fulfilled all his requirements at the academy.
“I maintained a good balance of academics, fitness and professional networking,” he said. “But it was especially challenging missing my family.”
A self-proclaimed Florida native, Connelly also found the weather challenging.
“We were forced to make it through two blizzards,” he said.