Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro of the Bermuda Police Service has graduated from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, it was announced yesterday.He was one of 260 law enforcement executives and managers who graduated, December 14, according to Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva.“The 251st session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from across the United States, and included members of law enforcement agencies from 29 international countries including Bermuda,” said Mr DeSilva.“Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 11 weeks of advanced investigative, management and fitness training for select officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies.“On average, these officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive level positions.“Training for the programme is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognised internationally in their fields of expertise.”Ch Insp Pedro took graduate and undergraduate courses in psychosocial behaviour, gang violence, conflict resolution, leadership, ethics, decision making and fitness.He was also selected to represent the international students by giving a speech honouring the fallen at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC.The event is organised to remember the nearly 20,000 officers in the United States that have been killed in the line of duty.“Upon successful completion of the session, which included weekly fitness challenges, the candidates are awarded a yellow brick. Ch Insp Pedro received his yellow brick, and also brought home a blue brick,” said Mr DeSilva.“He successfully completed an additional and optional fitness challenge to swim 34 miles — which signifies the distance between Quantico and Washington DC,” said Mr DeSilva.Ch Insp Pedro completed the distance over a period of days rather than all at once.“FBI director Robert Mueller was the principal speaker at the ceremony, and handed out diplomas to the students.“Ch Insp Pedro now returns to duty with the Bermuda Police Service as the officer in charge of the Special Investigations Department, including the Serious Crime Unit.”