2012 marked a pivotal moment that would help alter the landscape of homeland security training for state and local law enforcement. It was during this transformative year that John Thompson, the Deputy Executive Director of the National Sheriffs Association, embarked on a bold mission. He envisioned a revolutionary institution, an academy that would mirror the revered FBI’s National Academy but with a singular focus on homeland security leadership.

Thompson’s vision took shape in early 2012 with an encounter with Louis Quijas, the Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A series of discussions led Quijas to broker a call between Thompson and Connie Patrick, the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC). Recognizing the profound implications of this visionary concept, Director Patrick extended an invitation to Deputy Director Thompson and NSA Director of Professional Develpment, Fred Wilson, for an in-depth discourse.

It was at FLETC’s headquarters in Glynco, Georgia, where Thompson, unraveled their vision for a specialized leadership academy tailored to meet the needs of state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as the Department of Homeland Security. The synergy of ideas and shared vision between Director Connie Patrick of FLETC and Deputy Director John Thompson of the NSA would prove instrumental in realizing this ambitious concept. Over the ensuing two years, the diligent staff at FLETC transformed this vision into a reality, culminating in the birth of the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy (DHSLA).

In early 2014, Thompson met with DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, alongside other law enforcement officials, to discuss concerns within the law enforcement community. During this meeting, Thompson had a private conversation with Deputy Secretary Mayorkas, who saw the DHSLA as a significant opportunity for both America’s law enforcement agencies and the DHS. As the current DHS Secretary, Mayorkas has continued his support for state and local law enforcement and the DHSLA.

2015 would etch another momentous chapter when the inaugural class of DHSLA convened at FLETC’s Glynco headquarters. This pioneering cohort comprised distinguished law enforcement executives from sheriff’s offices and police departments across 21 states. Deputy Executive Director Thompson himself had the distinct honor of attending this inaugural session, bearing witness to the dawn of a new era in homeland security leadership training for state and local law enforcement leaders.

During Session 1’s graduation ceremony, Ms. Heather Fong, Assistant Secretary for State and Local Law Enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security, attended the event. Her presence was marked by the presentation of certificates to the graduates, symbolizing the commencement of their roles as future leaders in the realm of homeland security.

Under the leadership of FLETC Director Thomas J. Walters, and the current Director, Benjamine “Carry” Huffman, alongside the dedicated staff of the FLETC, the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy (DHSLA) has consistently evolved and adapted to meet the dynamic challenges of homeland security. As of May 2024, FLETC takes great pride in its accomplishments, having successfully conducted and graduated 19 prestigious DHSLA sessions. These sessions have played a pivotal role in shaping and honing exceptional leaders who have gone on to serve their country with distinction in various regions across the nation.

Reflecting upon the initial roll call of DHSLA Class 1, we are reminded of the exceptional individuals who blazed the trail:

Major Peter Dietzman, Hennepin County, MN

Undersheriff Craig Aldrich, Clay County, FL

Jail Commander John Asmussen, Story County, IA

Major Gerald Bates, Jefferson County, KY

Captain William Burt, Missoula County, MT

Undersheriff Ron Cameron, Clallam County, WA

Chief Deputy Joe Cardella, St. Charles Parish, LA

Undersheriff Jeffrey Cook, Eaton County, MI

Chief Scott Edson, Los Angeles County, CA

Chief Deputy John Ford, Davidson County, TN

Captain Daniel Galbraith, Harford County, MD

Captain Joseph Garcia, Spartanburg County, SC

Captain Vince Godfrey, Florissant, MO

Captain Susan Harrelle, Hendry County, FL

Lieutenant Don Hollingshead, Laramie County, WY

Deputy Chief Terry Johnson, Pinal County, AZ

Emergency Manager Tim Johnson, Douglas County, CO

Lieutenant Richard Johnston, Northampton County, PA

Captain Mathew McCarthy, Las Vegas, NV

Captain, Detention Center, Marc Nesbitt, Cabarrus County, NC

Lieutenant Rick Pfaff, Florissant, MO

Major Reginald Roney, Marion County, IN

Captain Donald Smith, St. Charles Parish, LA

Deputy Chief Scott Taylor, Mesquite, NV

Deputy Director John Thompson, Alexandria, VA

Chief Deputy Matthew Wade, Calhoun County, AL

In tracing the evolution of the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy, we glimpse the profound impact it has had on the fabric of law enforcement leadership. From its visionary inception to the graduation of its accomplished alumni, the DHSLA stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in homeland security. It is a chapter in history that will forever inspire and shape the future of our nation’s safety and security.