On September 16, 2011 Chief Investigator Josh Herren of the Pell City Police Department was one of 243 law enforcement officers to graduate from the FBI National Academy program at Quantico Virginia. The 246th Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from all 50 states. Included in the class are members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 28 international students, numerous military organizations, and several federal civilian organizations.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 10 weeks of advanced

Investigative, Management, and Fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within there agencies. On average these officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive- level positions. Less than half a percent of all Law enforcement officers through out the nation are accepted to the FBI National Academy.

Chief Investigator Herren is a military veteran, veteran police officer, and fourth in command of the Pell City Police Department.  As a Pell City Police veteran, he has served in the positions of DARE/SRO Officer, Bike Unit Officer, SWAT Team Member, Sniper/Observer, Cooper Fitness Standard Officer, Training Coordinator, crime scene technician and Investigator.

Herren earned his “Yellow Brick” for successfully completing the 6.2 mile Yellow Brick Road obstacle course and all other required fitness courses.  He also earned his “Blue Brick” as part of one of the academy’s newest programs.  He was required to swim 35 miles to earn this award while in the academy, but ended up swimming 50 miles and exceeding the minimum requirement.

Chief Investigator Herren completed the academic program with a final score of 98 and is only the second member of the agency to graduate from this prestigious program; Chief Turley attended the 211th Session in 2002.

Herren stated that the FBI-NA course was “Phenomenal” and that it was an excellent experience to see, first hand, the next generation of police professionals, newest techniques, latest challenges and opportunities in modern policing.

Upon graduation, Chief Investigator Herren will be attending a free polygraph examiner training program that begins on September 19 in Selma, Alabama.