From staff reports DUNCAN – Deputy Chief David Woods Jr., a 27-year veteran of the Duncan Police Department, graduated earlier this month from the 291st session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, city officials said in a news release.
The National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training, according to the news release. The course is designed to enhance graduates’ credentials in their field and raise law enforcement standards, knowledge and cooperation worldwide.
Since it began in 1935, the FBI National Academy has graduated more than 55,000 officers from around the world, according to the news release. Nationally, fewer than 1% of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.
“Since I arrived, faculty and classmates have pushed me to excel spiritually, mentally and physically,” Woods said. “The instructors are top-notch, and the course work is extensive.”
Woods said he has made new friends from several states, as well as friends well as friends from Spain, Pakistan, Lebanon, Mexico, Ecuador, Bangladesh, Cyprus and Italy. He said he also learned an effective technique that he hopes to use to fight crime in Duncan and make the city safer.
“This was a once-in-alifetime event, and I am beyond blessed for having the opportunity and the support of my department, friends, family and most of all, my wife, to attend,” Woods said. “I will walk away a different man than when I arrived, and I hope to use what I have learned to make my department, and the community that we serve, an even better place to live and raise a family.”
Woods, alongside 253 law enforcement officers from 26 countries, seven military organizations and seven federal civilian organizations, earned 15 hours towards a master’s degree.
“Deputy Chief Woods follows the legacy of many other leaders that have served with the Duncan Police Department,” said Duncan Police Chief Brian Attaway.
“We are immensely proud of Deputy Chief Woods for his dedication to the Duncan Police Department, its employees and the community he continues to serve.”