Saturday

As I reflect back on my last several months at the FBI National Academy, I cant help but think about the once in a lifetime opportunity I was given. I would like to thank the City of Pomona and Police Chief, Mike Olivieri for making this possible and allowing me to go and represent our city and our department. I am truly grateful.

The FBI NA gave me a chance to reflect on my personal and professional life all in an effort to be a better person, better employee, and a better leader. We looked at case studies, officer wellness, leading in crises, communication, departments public image, messaging, the value of social media, emotional intelligence and were able to share some very emotional experiences with each other. The lessons learned from each other were very valuable and reaffirmed that whether you are in CA, Wisconsin or Alabama, we have a difficult job and there are great men and women doing great work everyday. Our experiences and challenges are very similar.

The physical training component was top notch. I learned a lot about fitness and the importance of a regular workout regimen. Over the ten week program, I rowed 50 miles, biked about 350 miles, did a little swimming, and learned exercises that can be used anywhere for the rest of my life. Mental, physical and emotional strength is key to being well. Law enforcement leaders need to be well in order to take care of their troops.

Thank you to all my friends and family that helped me out along the way. I could not have done this without you.

Everyone at work that stepped up to help out when I was gone. I know it’s not easy but you did a great job and were able to free me up to get the most out of my experience, for that I am grateful.

Wednesday

Today was graduation practice. We had to be in our home rooms by 9am so we could get our instructions and our yellow brick.

After receiving the bricks, we had to do a walk through of graduation. This was an interesting feat, much like a group of third graders.

One of our classmates’ daughter is an elementary school teacher. Her school wanted to send every FBINA graduate a personal letter. At the graduation we were handed the letter so I thought I would share. You gotta love the honesty of children.

Tuesday

I woke up a little sore and achy today. The yellow brick road had a little impact on my body. I must say I am not used to running 6.2 miles, through the woods and with obstacles.

We had to attend each one of our classes today for an hour. It was just a chance to wrap up and discuss the classes and what we learned. All the instructors were great and will continue to be a great resource in the future.

After class I went to the gym and slowly got on to the bike and slowly started pedaling until my muscles got some blood flowing. After about 10 miles, everything was feeling good. I used my time wisely on the bike and completed all my class evaluations. I got done and spent about 20 minutes on the foam roller which is amazing for sore muscles, if you have never tried it.

Today is probably one of the nicest days we have had since I’ve been here. The sun was out and there was a slight breeze. It felt good to be out in the sun even though it’s only 50 degrees. After the gym I walked back on the outside of the building so I didn’t have to change back into my uniform. It takes a little longer but it’s nice opportunity to relax and get some fresh air. The scenery isn’t bad either. I practiced a little mindfulness on the way back (something new that I learned about here).

Mindful walking is something that I spoke about in one of my presentations. It’s basically walking and focusing on everything around you while you walk. Using all the senses you can take a few minutes to yourself and be in the moment. Today, it was nice to feel the breeze and the sun while noticing the trees, grass, leaves, dirt, and squirrels. I found it very relaxing and it doesn’t take a lot of time. A lot of times we get so caught up in everything that we miss the moment we are in. Try it out, I find it useful.

Tonight the California chapter of FBINAA treated the California crew to dinner at Vinny’s. It was a great opportunity for everyone from CA to get together. This was the first time we were all together for dinner.

Monday

Today was the day. The yellow brick road challenge took place and we started off at 1pm. The challenge is 6.1 miles and 3 of those miles include obstacles.

Tonight we enjoyed Louisiana night. The guys from Louisiana hooked us up with some great food. Another good night of fun and food. Thanks Louisiana.

Sunday

I woke up a little later than usual due to the time change. We gathered ourselves and went to the George Washington Masonic memorial, lodge #22. Very interesting and informational tour about the Freemasons.

After the Masonic memorial tour we went to the NRA museum. Pretty cool display of guns from many different eras.

We learned today that one of our classmates, Bill, tragically lost his 17 year old son today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill and his family during this tough time. Bill will not be here for the yellow brick road or graduation this week, so as a show of support we painted our shirts for tomorrow’s run. He and his family will be with us.

Saturday

I slept in this morning. It was a nice treat. Hit the chow hall for lunch and then went to the gym. Had a great workout before our class bbq and party tonight. One of the guys was able to secure a live band tonight. The FBI approved the band to come in and play from 6 to 10. Should be a good time.

The band was great and the so was the company. It was nice for everyone to unwind and celebrate our last Saturday night here at the academy.

Friday

This morning was the final day of official classes. My first two classes consisted of final presentations from my classmates. There were some great presentations.

The weather was cloudy and we had snow flurries in the afternoon. The weather has been crazy this week – cold and sunny to cloudy and warmer. Sunday is suppose to be in the high 60’s.

The final class of the day was physical training. This was our last physical training day before the yellow brick road on Monday. Courtney finished off strong with fight club for the first half and weight room for the second half. Exercises included 36″ box jumps, bench press, shoulders, pull ups, rows and squats. The finisher was 4 rounds of sprints on the pad, squats and push ups.

After PT was over, Tony from Somoa, led us in a chant that is done before a sporting event back home. I was able to capture it on video.

Since this was our last class with Courtney, we gave her a gift from the class. She was given a pink onesie for her daughter that is on the way. The front said FBINA 275 and on the back it said Section 2. We also provided her patches from everyone in the class.

We are set up to run the yellow brick road on Monday. We got our numbered bibs today. This event will be 6.1 miles with 3 miles of obstacles. I am looking forward to the challenge.

One last haircut at Kim’s before graduation. We all went and the ladies were happy to see us. They wanted one more picture before we graduate.

We went to dinner after our haircuts. We wanted a celebratory dinner for completing all our class work. The freeway was completely stopped so we ended up at Fatty’s. I decided to go with the shrimp and crab legs. Maybe I ordered too much.

Thursday

Light day today. Physical training was the highlight of the day. Courtney set up a 30 minute, 5 station workout that incorporated ropes, pull ups, skier machine, pushups, and core exercises.

Tonight we have the silent auction and the Marine Corp Officers Club. So far we have over 200 items available.

We had a great turnout for the silent auction. Our class raised $27,500 for charity. The money will be give to COPs (Concerns of Police Survivors). I was able to walk away with a couple items. I won an autographed cleat by Deondre Hall and a baseball bat engraved with our class number and logo.