Newtown’s Police Department has added another new layer of professionalism with Chief David Kullgren’s recent graduation from an extended FBI National Academy training program. That means Kullgren, along with second-in-command Captain Bryan Bishop, have both completed one of the world’s most effective and comprehensive programs for law enforcement professionals.

“Being selected to attend the FBI National Academy is an honor,” Kullgren told The Newtown Bee upon his return to town from the extended stay in Virginia. “The training at the FBINA was a humbling, enlightening, and unforgettable experience.”

On March 16, Newtown’s top cop joined the latest class of 247 grads from the FBI National Academy in Quantico.

This class completed the 285th session of the National Academy that brought in men and women from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 28 countries, four military branches, and five federal civilian organizations.

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal was among local officials and colleagues welcoming Kullgren back home.

“The FBI National Academy is definitely a prestigious and selective program and I am pleased that Chief Kullgren was able to attend,” Rosenthal said. “I am excited for the Department and our community as Chief begins to apply what he learned over the last few months.”

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend.

On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

According to Kullgren, FBI Director Christopher Asher Wray delivered remarks at the ceremony, and class spokesperson James Thomas from the Texas Department of Public Safety — Texas Rangers, represented the graduating officers.

According to multiple sources, Thomas is known in Texas law enforcement circles as the first Texas Ranger in modern history to hold a doctoral degree.

FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits all of the National Academy courses offered.

During Kullgren’s extended stay at the academy, Bishop served as the day-to-day department commander locally, which the chief viewed as a positive for the captain as well as all those under his command.

“It has allowed our staff to build confidence while leading in my absence and myself the ability to focus on larger mission-focused objectives through a premiere law enforcement training program,” Kullgren said.

The first selectman concurred.

“Training is important and especially so in policing and I appreciate the commitment of our Police Commission and entire NPD staff in keeping the focus on best practices,” Rosenthal said, echoing the fact that Bishop is also a graduate of FBINA. “And I am grateful for his steady leadership in Chief’s absence.”

A total of 54,154 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

Look for an expanded interview with Chief Kullgren and Capt Bishop reflecting on their FBI training experiences in an upcoming Newtown Bee feature.

Editor John Voket can be reached at john@thebee.com.