Commander Gil MacGregor, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, recently completed one of the toughest challenges available to local law enforcement officers: the FBI National Academy. In mid-December, Commander MacGregor and two other Oregon law enforcement officers completed a ten-week training session at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

There is a highly competitive process local law enforcement officers must go through to be selected for this honor. That process includes a nomination by a supervisor; interviews with the candidate and co-workers to determine leadership skills and abilities; a background check; a determination of physical fitness; and the support of former National Academy graduates within the candidate’s organization.

“The exceptional law enforcement leaders selected to attend the National Academy each year have the unique opportunity to share their experiences with peers and learn best practices from officers from across the globe,” said Renn Cannon, special agent in charge of the FBI in Oregon. “Only a few officers from Oregon have the chance to attend each year and we are proud to sponsor Commander MacGregor and our other local partners in the National Academy.”

Commander MacGregor started his law enforcement career with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in September of 1988, more than 30 years ago. Since being hired, Commander MacGregor has served as a Deputy, Senior Deputy, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and now serves as Commander for Investigations and Patrol. In addition, he has been a valuable member of the Tactical Negotiations Team, Interagency Gang Enforcement Team, and Honor Guard.

“I am very proud of Commander MacGregor for successfully passing the challenging academic and physical standards of the FBI National Academy,” said Washington County Sheriff Pat Garrett. “We are looking forward to his return to the sheriff’s office to utilize the excellent professional development he has gained through the FBINA.”

During the ten weeks of training, local executive-level law enforcement officers spend most of their time in the classroom. Commander MacGregor’s National Academy classes included: Essentials for Law Enforcement Leaders; Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement; The Cyber Threat Landscape; Behavioral Science; Effective Writing; Leadership and Fitness in Law Enforcement. The program allows participants the opportunity to earn college credits through the University of Virginia for some of those studies. In addition to the classroom work, participants have physical training courses and activities.

Each year, the FBI sponsors four sessions of the National Academy. Each session includes about 220 local law enforcement officers from around the United States and around the world. While in the academy, the officers and deputies live in a dorm-like setting. The FBI does not charge U.S. students for tuition, books, equipment, meals, lodging, or travel to and from their home.