Lieutenant Tuck Aurello of the Records Division, graduated the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on June 9, 2022. Lt. Aurello is one of 254 law enforcement officers from 47 states, the District of Columbia, and 26 countries who graduated from this year’s program.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the FBI National Academy is a 10-week program of professional study and physical training for U.S. and international law enforcement managers. Attendees are nominated by their agency based on demonstrated leadership qualities. On average, Academy attendees have 21 years of law enforcement experience. Over the years, HPD has nominated several officers to attend the Academy, with nine graduates currently ranging in rank from Lieutenant to Deputy Chief.
“Successful completion of the academy is a monumental accomplishment and signifies Lieutenant Aurello’s commitment to expound upon, and enhance, his professional skills and leadership abilities,” said Major Sherry Bird, Area II Operations, who is also Immediate Past President of the FBI National Academy Associates – Hawaii Chapter.
“It also represents our department’s continuing commitment to ensure staff members are receiving quality instruction from subject matter experts on topics that are relevant to today’s times, which greatly benefits not only our department members, but also our Big Island community. Congratulations to Lieutenant Aurello on earning the coveted yellow brick and graduating from the FBI National Academy!”
FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields, provide the training. The program provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism, management science, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science, serving to improve the administration of justice in police departments and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide. Academy attendees are also able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia.
In addition to the professional training, FBI National Academy attendees undergo fitness training and graduates undergo their final fitness challenge on the “Yellow Brick Road,” a grueling 6.1-mile run through a hilly, wooded trail built by US Marines. Along the way, Academy attendees must climb over walls, run through creeks, jump through simulated windows, scale rock faces with ropes, crawl under barbed wire in muddy water, maneuver across a cargo net, and more.
When (and if) the students complete this difficult test, they receive an actual yellow brick to memorialize their achievement, hence the course came to be known as the “Yellow Brick Road” years ago, after the Marines placed yellow bricks at various spots to show runners the way through the wooded trail.
“I am honored to have been selected to attend the FBI’s National Academy and grateful to Chief Paul Ferreira, the entire Hawaii Police Department, and my family who supported me as I took part in this once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Lt. Aurello. “I look forward to sharing what I learned with those I serve in our department and in service to our amazing Big Island community.”
