QUANTICO, VA – Liberty County Sheriff Buddy Money announced that Chief Deputy Dusty Arnold has graduated as a member of the 285th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, VA on March 16.

Chief Deputy Dusty Arnold is the first employee at the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of law enforcement 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 285th session consists of 247  law enforcement officers from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 28 countries, four military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.

“Chief Deputy Dusty Arnold is a highly trained and experienced public servant dedicated to the citizens of Liberty County,” said Sheriff Money. “This training will further improve his extensive knowledge base and ability to help lead our agency.”

Arnold started his career with the Florida Highway Patrol in 2004. Prior to his arrival to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, he was a Special Agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and a Maritime Enforcement Specialist in the United States Coast Guard Reserve. He has a master’s degree in justice administration from Faulkner University.

ABOUT THE FBI ACADEMY: The FBI National Academy was founded by FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover in 1935. Only the top 1% of law enforcement leaders are accepted for this program. Since 1972, the FBI National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits many of the courses offered. 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.