Fair Lawn Police Captain Gets Special FBI Training

FAIR LAWN, NJ — Fair Lawn Police Captain Joseph J. Dawicki graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy in Quantico, Va., this month, officials said.

Only the top one percent of law enforcement leaders across the globe are selected for the National Academy, internationally known for its academic excellence.

The National Academy was created in 1935, and the training is held at United States Marine Corps Base Quantico, where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

Fair Lawn Police Chief Glen Cauwels announced the achievement this week.

On March 15, FBI Director Christopher Wray delivered remarks at the ceremony and presented 197 law enforcement officers — both men and women from 47 states and District of Columbia — with their certificates.

The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 23 countries, four military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.

According to the FBI National Academy website, the 10-week police academy teaches the nation's best law enforcement executives the latest techniques in leadership, and provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science, all of which serve to improve the administration of justice in police departments.

"We are extremely proud of Captain Dawicki and his commitment to excellence in policing," said Cauwels. "Through Joe's leadership, professionalism and dedication, our police department continues to be one of the best in Bergen County."

A lifelong Bergen County resident, Captain Dawicki was one of four applicants selected from the State of New Jersey.

A Fair Lawn High School graduate (1996) and Ramapo College graduate (2000), Dawicki is a 23-year veteran of the Fair Lawn Police Department. He has served in the Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, and currently commands the Patrol Division since 2018. Captain Dawicki also leads the Fair Lawn Honor Guard.

"The FBI National Academy was an incredible experience and I consider my classmates lifelong friends," said Dawicki. "I met law enforcement leaders from all over the United States, as well as from around the world. Just a simple phone call or email, and we have each other's back. I am honored to be a graduate of Session 289."

In addition to his graduation certificate, Dawicki received the FBI International Partnership Program certificate, an award for mentoring an international officer from Poland. He also completed the "Yellow Brick Road," a physical fitness challenge designed to motivate and enhance the mind and body.

Students who attend the National Academy are also able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits all the National Academy courses offered.

"I would like to thank Chief Cauwels, the Borough of Fair Lawn, family and friends for their support and continued confidence in me," said Dawicki. "It's nice to be back in Fair Lawn, and I look forward to inspiring the next generation of law enforcement leaders."