April 6, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Cleveland, OH] – Four officers from Northern Ohio were among the 253 law enforcement professionals who graduated from the 297th session of the FBI’s National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 297thsession of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states and the District of Columbia. The class also included 26 members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations.

FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher Raia delivered remarks at the ceremony. Class spokesperson Cody Mills from the United States Marine Corps Investigation Division, Quantico, VA represented the graduating officers.


The officers from Northern Ohio include:

Adkins, Denny, McQuaid and Slates —- photo credit FBI –

  • Major Christopher Adkins – Marion Police Department
  • Lieutenant Christopher Denny – Sandusky Police Department
  • Lieutenant Evan Slates – Ohio State Highway Patrol, Northern Ohio Division
  • Sergeant Adam McQuaid – Brooklyn Police Department

FBI Cleveland Acting Special Agent in Charge Tori Gaskill

“We are proud of Major Adkins, Lieutenant Slates, Lieutenant Denny, and Sergeant McQuaid for their commitment to law enforcement and strengthening their leadership through the skills and knowledge they’ve gained at the Academy. Their commitment to these principles will resonate as they lead their respective departments while protecting the people and communities they serve.”

Recognized worldwide for its academic excellence, the FBI’s National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced leadership classes, communication courses, and fitness challenges. Candidates must demonstrate proven records as professionals within their agencies to even be considered for selection into the program. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

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. 

FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and professional support teams provide specialized training during each National Academy session. Many of these same instructors are internationally renowned for their advanced work in various disciplines of criminology. Moreover, students can earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which has accredited many National Academy courses since 1972.

Since its inception in 1935, more than 56,000 public safety professionals have graduated from the FBI National Academy. The National Academy program housed at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA., at the same facility where new FBI special agents and intelligence analysts receive training and instruction.