Cherokee Sheriff's Office Captain Graduates From FBI Academy

A captain with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office is the latest law enforcement officer to graduate from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.

Capt. William Smith was among 209 officers from 49 states who recently graduated from the Academy’s 257th session, the sheriff’s office said on Friday.

Included in the class were members of agencies from the District of Columbia, 26 countries, three military organizations and three federal civilian organizations.

Smith started his career with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office in 1999. He is currently the commander of special operations and the director of training for its agency.

During the 10-week program at the FBINA in Quantico, Virginia, Capt. Smith successfully completed courses in national academy networking and enrichment, legal issues for command level officers, death investigations, seminar in investigative interviewing, leadership for law enforcement and fitness in law enforcement.

All courses are taught at the Academy and are accredited through the University of Virginia. During the academy, Capt. Smith also participated in two voluntary physical challenges in which he ran a 6.1-mile trail run with obstacles built by the U.S. Marines Corps and swam 34 miles. Capt. Smith was awarded the coveted Yellow Brick and Blue Brick for successfully completing both challenges.

He also volunteered and was chosen to be a section representative for the placement of a wreath ceremony at the Law Enforcement Memorial, which honors all federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation and its people.

Photo credit: Cherokee Sheriff’s Office