NORTH VERNON, Ind. – City of North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) Chief of Police Keith Messer announced to the North Vernon City Council this week that he has been accepted for the next session of the FBI National Academy (FBINA). He is one of three officers in the state selected.
Established in 1935, the National Academy provides advanced investigative, management, and fitness training to officers who are proven leaders in their organizations.
Chief Messer revealed he had first applied to the academy back in 2018. “The FBINA has been a career goal of mine for a long time,” he said. “It will be a great opportunity to further my education and to physically challenge myself.”
Former NVPD Chief James Webster was Messer’s sponsor for the process. Once he was selected, he had to complete a physical, run a mile in under 10 minutes, and submit to an interview.
However, the five-year wait period following his application left Chief Messer wondering if he would ever have the opportunity to attend. Needless to say, he was “very excited and surprised” when he received his acceptance email in January of this year.
“I look forward to the experience, the opportunity to achieve a career goal. I hope to enhance my knowledge through leadership and specialized training I will participate in. The opportunity will allow me to bring back new ideas, experience, and skills to the agency.”
Chief Messer’s FBI training will commence on April 1 and last 10 weeks. He assured the council that he does not intend to leave the NVPD and will be returning to his duties as Chief of Police after his June 8 graduation.