East Providence, RI – The East Providence Police Department announces that Deputy Chief Michael Rapoza has graduated as a member of the 294th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on June 5th, 2025. Nationally, fewer than one percent of law enforcement officers have the opportunity to attend the National Academy program.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 weeks (about 2 and a half months) 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 294th session consisted of two hundred and thirty-nine law enforcement officers who graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 294th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 14 countries, six military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations.
By graduating from the National Academy, Deputy Chief Rapoza joins an international fraternity of law enforcement officers who have demonstrated the exceptional leadership, knowledge and skills required to lead local law enforcement agencies into the future. Deputy Chief Rapoza is the first East Providence police officer in over twenty years to complete this prestigious program. Rapoza joins retired East Providence Police Captain David Allsworth Sr (Session 149), Captain William Sloyer (Session 153), and Lieutenant Stephen Enos (Session 196) as EPPD National Academy graduates.
About the FBI National Academy
FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits many of the courses offered. A total of 56,180 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. 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.
