HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-09-27 NP chief going to FBI Academy (WeekDay)r,\ C e r'S- g S-
NORTH PALM BEACH PUBLIC MARY
North Pa!rn chief going to FBI Academy
By 1Japttne ]allsolopuuloa
Nnrthi Paton Beach's Director of Public SBruce Sekeres is
leaving this week to go to the National FBI A , where he will
spend 1I weeks in figs:EMUS physical training. firearms, and
academics. The training session is from October 1 to December 15,
Sekeres, 48, had put in his application to attend the academy hack
in 19E1 and he hits been invited by the academy to go through the
program twice but had to turn it down_ The first time, Sekeres had
jut trade Lieutenant. and the second time he had just been appointed
chief of police. 'I had to turn it dowry because I didn't warts to leave
the department for 11 weeks after I was just appointed chief," said
Sekeres, "It was highly unusual. but they (the FBI) understood my
position."
Now. invited for the third time. Sekeres has accepted the invitation
and the Village Council has voted unanimously to send him, But as
he gets ready to leave. he has mixed emotions. "When I was first
invited I was very enthused," he says. 'Then I was looking at the
toasting as a feather in my cap that would help me make Chief. Now
that I corn the Chief, it's a little bit different.
"I tan stall looking forward to all the training and the contacts, but
it's hard to leave my re spottsibilitirs Nr 11 weeks_ But I do have
ccnrrplete Confidence in my staff to ha dlc the day -today operatiors_"
While Sekeres is gene, Certain George. Warren will bc: the acting
Polioc Chief. Sekeres will still be consulted on major decisions that
have to hemade, such as hiring or promotions.
While in the; academy, Sekereca will rcoeive specific training in
computerization, managerial skills, investigative techniques, and
media roIatimns. He will brig his knowledge back to share with the
rest of the department, "When you come back you're a better law
enforcement official," he says, "And you can pass that on to your
people."
The FBI Academy requires that the applicant is in a supervisory
capacity within the department. They also expect officials to stay in
Law enforcement for another 3 years. after completing the academy. It
is considered an honor to be asked.
Sekeres started with the North Palm police department in 1974 as a
patrolman and worked his way through the ranks until he was
replaced John Atwater as Police Chief and Director of Public Safety
in 1981. He has served in almost every capacity in the department,
including EMT and fire chief. He heads a staff of 50 in the arc -
rescue and police deppar�tments.
Sekeres recalls, "When I first got the position, Chief Atwater told
me I'm too young to be the cater. He said it was too long to be chief
because of the strews and the responsibilities.
"You never really get away from your job," he adds. "Ton not just
the police chief..,1 also have to come out for fire and rescue calls."
But Sekeres doesn't mind. He calls the North Pahe Reach Police
Department his home, "I would like to retire from this department,"
he says,
BRUCE SEKERES has been
invited to attend the FEE
Academy. He IeaNes this week.