Rochester Police chief graduates from FBI course

ROCHESTER — Rochester Police Chief Michael A. Assad Jr. has graduated from the FBI National Command Course, Session 9, at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Assad was the only police chief from Massachusetts selected to attend the program, joining law enforcement executives from across the country for training focused on leadership, public trust and interagency collaboration.

During the program, Assad's classmates elected him class president of Session 9.

The National Command Course, hosted at the FBI Academy, is designed to prepare law enforcement executives to address challenges facing communities through leadership training, strategic planning and interagency collaboration.

Assad credited the FBI Academy staff with creating what he called a strong learning environment and said the experience will benefit agencies and communities nationwide. He also emphasized the importance of continued federal funding for the program.

Assad said he returned to Rochester with new leadership strategies, a broader network of public safety professionals, and a renewed commitment to serving Rochester residents. He thanked the FBI Academy and his Session 9 classmates for their support during the program.

The FBI funded the course, including flights, hotel, food and transportation.