#PuntaGorda Police Captain Graduates from the 258th Session of the FBI National Academy The Punta Gorda Police Department is pleased to announce the graduation of Captain Jason Ciaschini from the 258th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy (FBINA) on December 19, 2014. The FBINA is widely viewed as the highest quality law enforcement executive training program in the country. FBI Director James Comey was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. The FBI National Academy was founded in 1935 and has graduated over 47,000 police professionals since its inception. The mission of the National Academy is “to support, promote, and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic, and contemporary challenges through innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, and forging partnerships throughout the world.” Internationally known for its academic excellence, this eleven week course for command-level law enforcement professionals was held at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Captain Ciaschini took courses in leadership, public speaking, legal issues, conflict resolution and health and fitness. In addition to the rigorous academic requirements, Captain Ciaschini successfully passed the “Yellow Brick Road,” the final (but optional) challenge of physical fitness. It consisted of a 6.1-mile grueling run through a hilly, wooded trail built by Marines. Along the way, participants climb over walls, run through creeks, jump through simulated windows, scale rock faces with ropes, crawl under barbed wire in muddy water, maneuver across a cargo net, and more. When students complete this difficult test, they receive an actual yellow brick to memorialize their achievement. The course came to be known as the “Yellow Brick Road” after the Marines placed yellow bricks at various spots to show runners the way through the wooded trail. All of the courses offered at the National Academy are accredited through the University of Virginia, giving each student the opportunity to earn undergraduate and graduate level credits. The National Academy is totally subsidized by the Federal Government, resulting in minimal cost to the taxpayers of our community. Chief Albert (Butch) Arenal stated: “We are very proud of the manner in which Captain Ciaschini represented the City of Punta Gorda while at the National Academy. The world-recognized training and experience that he will bring back to the City will benefit our community for many years to come.” Congratulations Captain Ciaschini
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 20:43:54 +0000