RIVER FALLS — River Falls Police Department’s Deputy Chief Matt Kennett had the opportunity to learn from some of the best and most experienced, taking on a 10-week course at the FBI National Academy facility in Virginia, which only a small number of law enforcement members have the opportunity to be a part of.

The FBI National Academy Associates put on the session and there has been 55,440 graduates since 1935. Kennett was one of four Wisconsin law enforcement members to graduate during this session.

Kennett took part in five academic courses and a physical training course and is bringing back both knowledge and connections.

“It’s the pinnacle of a law enforcement career to be quite honest,” Kennett said. “Only about the top 1% of law enforcement actually gets to go.”

One of the most intriguing parts to Kennett was getting to talk law enforcement with people from all over the world. Kennett emphasized the value of learning what other departments do differently and thinking about how it would impact River Falls.

“You kind of live in your own world within your own city or state or country, and you realize that there may be completely different ways to do something,” Kennett said. “It was really eye-opening in a lot of ways.”

For Kennett, it was not just the things learned in the classes that made the experience valuable, but learning them alongside people from all over the world.

“It’s a once in a lifetime experience and it’s an experience where you just can’t replicate it,” Kennett said. “Individuals from not only throughout the entire United States, but also the international students that were there.

“You have 254 new connections worldwide, including the partnership with the FBI itself,” Kennett said.

When Kennett started his time in law enforcement, he was not even aware of the program, but after a pair of other members of the RFPD graduated from the program, Kennett became interested. Kennett applied about three years ago, and the process finally led to what he had been waiting for.

When Kennett learned the city was also supportive, he was certain this was something he wanted to take part in.

“Extremely grateful to city council, city leadership, the police department and staff,” Kennett said. “Sending someone away from their job for 10 weeks is a huge undertaking, and I received nothing but support.”

Kennett has been a part of the RFPD since 2006, and the department has been there for much of Kennett’s law enforcement journey. Through this time, he has appreciated the willingness for the department to continue to educate its staff.

“As a whole within the city, we really pride ourselves on our training and our education, and this is just another example of that commitment,” Kennett said.