Star Staff Reports
On Dec. 11, Millington Police Department Chief Chris Stokes announced that Lieutenant Bryan Childress has graduated as a member of the 288th session of the FBI National Academy.
The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on Dec. 7.
Childress is the second officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.
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 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
The 288th session consisted of 198 law enforcement officers graduated today from the FBI National Academy in Quantico. The 288th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 45 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations, and six federal civilian organizations.
“Lt. Childress showed commitment to his community and his peers. He works tirelessly to see the department succeed and grow,” Stokes said. “He seeks out ways that we can improve the service we provide to the citizens of our great community. Bryan is always willing to do whatever he can to help a person in need.”
Childress began his law enforcement career in October 1998. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2022 and leads the Criminal Investigations Division at the Millington Police Department. He is a former canine officer and the Secretary of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Officers Association since 2018.
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 54,763 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.
