Deputy Chief James Rodriguez finishes the legendary Yellow Brick Road, entering the FBI Training Facility under the blue gate. Courtesy/LAPD
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos DailyPost
caclark@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos Deputy Police Chief James Rodriguez has graduated as a member of the 295th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place Sept. 4, at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. Deputy Chief Rodriguez is the sixth officer in Los Alamos Police Department history to complete this prestigious leadership program. Nationally, fewer than 1 percent of officers are selected to attend.
Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone nominated Deputy Chief Rodriguez for the National Academy.
“Deputy Chief Rodriguez is the fourth officer we have been able to send to the FBINA,” Chief Dino Sgambellone said. “Each time an officer returns, they bring ideas and best practices to the department to help us enhance our overall service delivery. I know that in speaking with James, he really enjoyed his time there, and we all look forward to capitalizing on his experience in the weeks to come.”
Deputy Chief Rodriguez began his law enforcement career in February 2004 with the 35th Las Cruces Police Academy, graduating that August to serve with the Las Cruces Police Department. In October 2005, he joined the Los Alamos Police Department, where he has served for 20 years in a variety of roles, including patrol officer, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, commander, and now deputy chief.
“The greatest thing about the FBI National Academy was the camaraderie and friendships established along the way with other law enforcement professionals from the US and around the world,” Deputy Chief Rodriguez said. “The various perspectives shared and the approach to today’s law enforcement challenges are something you can’t get anywhere else.”
Throughout the 10-week program, Deputy Chief Rodriguez took part in a series of weekly physical challenges that progressively tested endurance, strength, and teamwork. Each week, participants faced increasingly difficult courses designed by the FBI Academy’s Physical Training Unit, culminating in the legendary “Yellow Brick Road”.
The Yellow Brick Road is a 6.1-mile obstacle course through the rugged Quantico Marine Base, developed by U.S. Marine Corps instructors. The course winds through mud pits, water crossings, rock climbs, and endurance obstacles, demanding both physical and mental resilience. Participants who complete the challenge earn the coveted yellow brick, a symbol of perseverance and the culmination of their training journey.
Reflecting on the experience, Deputy Chief Rodriguez said, “Attending the FBI National Academy was both an honor and a privilege. The training and relationships built at Quantico will enhance how we lead, serve, and connect with our community here in Los Alamos.”
The FBI National Academy, established in 1935 under Director J. Edgar Hoover, was created to provide advanced training to law enforcement professionals and strengthen cooperation across agencies. The 10-week program is internationally recognized for its rigorous coursework in communication, leadership, and physical fitness. Participants are experienced law enforcement leaders who typically have more than two decades of service and return to their agencies to serve in executive roles.
The 295th session of the National Academy included 254 law enforcement officers representing 49 states, the District of Columbia, 20 countries, six military organizations, and four federal civilian agencies.
“Each week pushed us to be stronger leaders — not just physically, but mentally. Completing the Yellow Brick Road was a moment of pride and reflection,” Deputy Chief Rodriguez said. “It represents the resilience and teamwork that define the FBI National Academy and the law enforcement profession. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned over those 10 weeks at Quantico to improve operations and our already high standards. I’m most excited about mentoring and developing the future leaders of this department and sharing what I’ve learned with them. I want to prepare them to be the next leaders of our department and community.”
Deputy Chief James Rodriguez holds the yellow brick he earned at the FBINA Tree, which represents the sacrifices and personal challenges leaders in law enforcement must endure to succeed. Courtesy/LAFD
Deputy Chief James Rodriguez, right, receives his diploma from FBI Director Kash Patel. Courtesy/LAFD
FBI Director Kash Patel, left, recognizes Los Alamos Police Chief James Rodriguez for competing the FBI National Academy. Courtesy/LAPD