Special to IFN

Rhonda Faust, second assistant chief for the Mooresville Police Department, graduated from the FBI National Academy as a member of the 295th session.

The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Va., on September 4. Faust is the third officer in department’s history—and the first female MPD officer—to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, less than 1 percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 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 295th session consisted of 254 law enforcement officers from 49 states and the District of Columbia. The class includes members of law enforcement agencies from 20 countries, 10 members of six military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations.

“I want to sincerely thank Chief Campurciani for the support and encouragement that allowed me the opportunity to attend the FBI National Academy,” said Faust. “I am also deeply grateful to my family and friends for their unwavering support over the past ten weeks. To my co-workers, thank you for taking on extra duties in my absence so I could focus on this experience.”

“Attending the Academy gave me the chance to learn from—and alongside—amazing leaders from across the world,” added Faust. “The leadership training, national networking, and advanced coursework have equipped me with new strategies and best practices that I’m excited to bring back to our department and the Town of Mooresville, ensuring we continue to grow, adapt, and serve with excellence.”

Faust has nearly 29 years of experience with the Mooresville Police Department, where she began her career as a patrol officer in 1997. She was MPD’s first traffic officer and helped lay the foundation for the department’s current Traffic Unit. In April 2020, she became the department’s first female captain. She is also the first female assistant chief in department history and currently holds the distinction of being the longest-serving female officer at MPD.