Three URI public safety leaders have completed selective FBI program
KINGSTON – North Providence resident and former town police officer Paul Ricci graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy last month.
As the deputy chief of the University of Rhode Island police department, Ricci became the third member of the department’s leadership team to graduate from the highly competitive program. Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police Michael Jagoda and Deputy Police Chief of Administration Michael Chalek are also graduates of the FBI program, putting the three of them in select company.
A mere 1 percent of all law enforcement leaders in the U.S. are selected to attend the 10-week FBI National Academy. The mission of the FBI National Academy is to support, promote, and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders who have proven records as professionals within their agencies.
“Having three members of the URI Police Department’s command staff graduate from the FBI National Academy is very unusual,” said Jagoda. “It shows the level of commitment, professionalism, and leadership we have in our police department. We take our duties and responsibilities seriously and are committed to making our community as safe and secure as we can while building trust and partnership with our community members.”
Established in 1935, the comprehensive residential program includes academic course work, a physical fitness and wellness component, networking, and knowledge sharing.
“The leadership lessons, professional development, and relationships gained through the program are invaluable,” said Ricci. “The experience will help me continue to support the great direction we are headed in under Chief Jagoda’s leadership.”
“The training allows us to prepare, manage, and respond to a vast number of challenges, both administratively and operationally,” said Jagoda. “Operationally, it prepares us to respond effectively to all hazards.”
Ricci was among 255 law enforcement officers from 46 states and the District of Columbia to complete this spring’s session of the program. The graduating class also included 29 international members of law enforcement agencies from 26 countries, five military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations.
Family legacy
Completing the FBI program was as personally rewarding to Ricci as it was professionally, he said. His father, Ernest Ricci, graduated from the program in 1973.
“Graduating from the FBI National Academy means a great deal to me and my family,” said the deputy chief. “Having the opportunity to follow in my father’s footsteps is very special. I’m grateful for the experience.”
His son, Paul Jr., became a campus patrol person for URI Public Safety about 18 months ago, continuing the family legacy of public service.
“It’s been wonderful to see him continue our family’s tradition of public service,” said Ricci.
As a campus patrol person, Paul Jr.’s responsibilities include traffic safety, building security, access control, providing safe rides to members of the campus community, and assisting with site security.
Paul Jr. echoes his father’s sentiments on service.
“I value my position and the opportunity to work in public safety,” he said. “I hope to contribute to the URI community in a meaningful way for many years to come.”
