This February, the Exchange Club Luncheon featured guest speaker Police Chief Steve Simpkins.

He just returned from the National Academy of the FBI in Quantico, Virginia.

Less than 1 percent of law enforcement leaders from 47 states and 27 countries worldwide are invited. The extensive course has a two-fold mission. The first is to bring law enforcement leaders together and train them in advanced principals of running a business, organizational change, and executive media relations, etc. Chief Simpkins said the training was terrific and applicable for what he actually does.

Secondly, executives tend to be sedentary, so the FBI plugs in a physical component. Participants complete 10 weekly agility challenges, with the 10th and most grueling “The Yellow Brick Road,” named for the yellow bricks that mark the way through the 6.2-mile obstacle course. To receive a Yellow Brick Plaque, they must complete all weekly challenges. Chief Simpkins holds his well-earned plaque with pride.

All the law enforcement leaders benefited from the training and the networking between countries and states. He is glad to be back, and we are glad to have him back. Congratulations to Police Chief Steve Simpkins for a job well done!