Gallery

FBI National Academy
 

After receiving an invitation to attend the 118th session of the FBI NA in 1979, I was unable to participate being the small agency’s only full-time investigator, consequently, I was forced to withdraw.

 

Several years later, I pursued a position with a large out-of-state agency and after several years there, I fulfilled the internal performance requirements for selection and was placed on a list to attend.

However, as I achieved the number two spot on the list, the agency hired a new director who changed the policy to only allow supervisors to attend; not both qualified, seasoned agents and supervisors which was the policy for over 35+/- years prior to his arrival. 

 

Despite being a senior agent making a first-line supervisor’s salary, I became a supervisor and was placed on the list once again. As the years flew by, I slowly climbed to the top of the lengthy list, but I retired to become the number two at a county sheriff’s office. 

 

Finally, in 2012, despite being encouraged by the statewide FBI NA coordinator to reconsider attending in view of me turning 60 years old a couple of months before the session began, I am a proud graduate of the 250th session of the FBI NA, especially as the first and only one to attend from that agency to this day. 

 

Needless to say, having waited 34 long years, I was beyond excited to finally attend! It was everything I heard it was and much, much more! The overall experience was truly phenomenal, and I am extremely grateful to be a proud member of the FBI NAA.

 

Christopher A. Bish, MPA