After 10 weeks of intensive FBI training, Tiffin's Interim Police Chief Fred Stevens is ready to return to the force.
Stevens was one of 264 law enforcement officers to graduate from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico VA last Friday, and he is set to resume his duties as Tiffin's interim police chief Monday.
Stevens said people from all over the world attended the training, which included advanced investigative, management and fitness training.
Article Photos
Stevens
"It was very challenging," Stevens said.
He went through a selection process to attend the training, and was one of eight from Ohio to be selected. Most of his classes were master-level executive leadership classes and he earned 17 credit hours during the 10 weeks.
"The main goal of the whole FBI National Academy is to make better executives so we all work together for the common goal of serving the public and protecting the public," he said. "It helps build upon leadership you already have and helps you see different leadership styles."
Stevens said the program has connected him with police departments worldwide, allowing him to exchange ideas, policies and advice.
"Really what's interesting is you find you have the same problems as the L.A. P.D. or a 10-man department," he said.
Three retired officers from the Tiffin Police Department have attended the training, and currently, Stevens and Lt. Aaron Russell are the only two officers at the police department with the training under their belts.
Stevens was selected last year to attend the program, but because he was serving in Afghanistan, Russell went in his place.
This year, the timing was perfect.
"It fits in nicely with me being able to apply for the chief's position," he said.
Stevens took over as interim for former Tiffin Police Chief Dave LaGrange after he accepted a position as police chief for Waterville in January. The city is still in the hiring process for the full-time police chief.
According to a release from the FBI, a total of 45,817 represent the FBI National Academy Program, which began in 1935.
