This story was published from a press release from the Wilton Police Department.
Deputy Chief Robert Cipolla of the Wilton Police Department recently graduated from the FBI National Academy. The graduation of the 296th session of the academy took place at the FBI’s headquarters in Quantico, VA, on Thursday, Dec. 11.
Cipolla is the 10th officer in the history of the Wilton Police Department to complete the prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than 1.0% of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 11 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.
Cipolla was one of 254 law enforcement officers from 47 states and the District of Columbia in the United States, as well as 23 other countries who graduated as part of the 296th session. Members came from four military organizations and two federal civilian organizations.
Wilton Police Chief Thomas Conlan — himself a 2019 graduate of the FBI National Academy — congratulated Cipolla on this significant accomplishment in a press release.
“Deputy Chief Cipolla spent the past 11 weeks learning from premier law enforcement instructors and forging bonds with his classmates that will last a lifetime. Graduating from the FBI National Academy is an extraordinary and prestigious achievement, and we are incredibly proud of him,” Conlan said.
The FBI National Academy is instructed by FBI Academy faculty, special agents and professional staff, many of whom hold advanced degrees and are recognized internationally in their respective fields. Since 1972, the National Academy has served as the premier executive training program for law enforcement leaders across the country.