Four Kentucky Officers Graduate From the FBI’s 286th National Academy Class

Four officers from the Commonwealth of Kentucky were among the 238 law enforcement professionals who graduated from the 286th session of the FBI's National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on June 8, 2023. This National Academy class consisted of men and women from 47 states and the District of Columbia. It included members of law enforcement agencies from 25 countries, five military organizations, and six federal civilian organizations.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have at least 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

FBI Director Christopher Wray delivered remarks at the graduation ceremony. Class spokesperson Eli Abi Fadel of the Internal Security Forces, Beirut, Lebanon represented the graduating officers. The officers from Kentucky included:

• Lieutenant Charles Finley, Jr., University of Kentucky Police Department
• Captain Gary Helton, Kenton County Police Department
• Lieutenant Jonathan McGehee, Kentucky State Police - Post 2
• Captain Joshua Nash, Georgetown Police Department

FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits many of the courses offered.

A total of 54,366 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.