Other officers ran the gamut from a Los Angeles police supervisor to a police chief from a small town in Maine with two officers. Other officers were from Brazil, Guam and Hawaii, among other places throughout the world.

Shiver worked hard to get to the Academy. Even more effort was required to complete the Academy course — and to receive the coveted yellow brick.

In addition to academics, physical fitness and accomplishing physical challenges were part of training for the 236th Academy session.

Running a 6.1-mile course fraught with obstacles resulted in Shiver receiving his yellow brick. Of the 256 officers to begin the course, 255 received yellow bricks. The 10 officers who did not finish the course were removed from the session for violating rules.

In addition to academics and physical fitness, networking is an important aspect of the course, Rich explained. Officers who meet at the academy establish lifelong friendships.

Shiver considers his leadership skills improved as a result of the FBI course. He wants officers on his team to offer constructive ideas in order to foster pride and determination.

As Shiver was returning home from Quantico, he stopped at a convenience store in North Carolina. He was wearing the Academy uniform — trousers and a shirt with the Academy emblem.

A customer at the business acknowledged Shiver and the Academy emblem. The customer was the town’s retired police chief and a member of the 118th FBI Academy session.

Shiver’s mission? For him and his seven-member team to exceed the community’s expectations daily.

“Every day they improve,” he explained. “When they come to work, they improve the quality of life for the community through innovative ideas.”

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached a (229) 226-2400, ext. 220.