MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) School Safety Division Captain Don Fanning has graduated from the 299th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy.

The graduation ceremony took place at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on Thursday (September 17th). This session brought together law enforcement leaders from 44 states, the District of Columbia, 28 international countries, five military organizations, and four federal civilian agencies. Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal also completed the program as an honorary graduate.

The FBI National Academy stands as one of the top law enforcement executive training programs in the world, offering ten weeks of advanced leadership, communication, and physical fitness instruction.

"This achievement reflects Captain Fanning's commitment to leadership, lifelong learning, and professional excellence," said MPD Chief Michael Bowen. "The knowledge and experience gained through the FBI National Academy will continue to benefit our department, our officers, and the community we serve."

Captain Fanning started his career with MPD in 1994 as a patrol officer. He worked as a field training officer before earning promotions to sergeant in the Uniform Division in 2000 and lieutenant in 2011. MPD assigned him to the Training Section in 2016 before promoting him to captain in the Administrative Division in 2019. He stepped into his current role leading the School Safety Division in 2023.

Before joining MPD, Fanning served as a police officer with the Box Elder, South Dakota, Police Department. He also served as a staff sergeant with the 44th Security Police Squadron in the U.S. Air Force.

Fanning holds extensive leadership credentials, including completion of the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police and the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. He earned the FBI Trilogy award covering Supervisor, Command, and Executive Leadership programs. Additionally, he serves as an Advanced Leadership and De-Escalation Instructor for the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center.

His professional certifications include Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) School Resource Officer. Fanning earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Bethel University and previously attended South Dakota State University.