ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q4-2025

continued from "From Member to Participant" page 13

Throughout my career, I have leaned on fellow graduates for guidance, support, and collaboration—often in moments that transcended the formal benefits of membership. These connec tions are priceless. They are the true value of the FBINAA, and they are only unlocked through active participation. SHAPING THE FUTURE TOGETHER Too often, we hear the question, “What’s in it for me?” But as graduates of the FBI National Academy, we already received what others wait years to earn. We were selected, trained, and wel comed into the greatest law enforcement network in the world. Now, it is our turn to give back—to honor those who came before us and to support those who will follow. Displaying the Yellow Brick in your office or adding the FBI NAA logo to your email signature is not enough. The future of this organization depends on those who choose to participate, not just belong. As the torch passes from one generation to the next, we each have the opportunity—and the obligation—to shape the path forward.

About the Author: John Rowan started his journey with the Suffolk County Police Department in 1993 and retired in 2024 as the Chief of Detectives. During his tenure, he played a significant role with executive oversight in the department’s arrest in the decades-old Gilgo Beach Killer case, which charged the suspect with multiple murders of females. This case is ongoing as it progresses through the court system. Throughout his career, John held several supervisory roles, including Commanding Officer of the 3rd Precinct from 2018 to 2022 and Commanding Officer of the Major Crimes Bureau from 2017 to 2018, where he oversaw Homicide,

Major Case, Special Victims, and Hate Crimes. He also served as the primary liaison with federal agencies investigating MS-13 murders during this period. In January 2018, he traveled to El Salvador and was recognized by Homeland Security for his participation in Operation Matador, a joint task force investigating MS-13 activities. Additionally, he served as a Captain in Internal Affairs and as the Commanding Officer of the First Squad Detectives, where he held the rank of Detective Lieutenant. Currently, John serves as the Senior Vice President for Conflict International, a global business intelligence and investigations firm, with a focus on US operations. John holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Leadership from St. John’s University, earning a Certificate of Excellence. He received his Bachelor of Arts de gree in 1991 from the University of Delaware, where he was a member of the NCAA lacrosse team. John attended the 236th Session of the FBI National Academy and has been actively involved in planning the Nassau/Suffolk Luncheon and Bart Hose Shoot ever since. In 2019, he was honored with the Chapter’s Bart Hose Award for Excel lence and received the Joseph Monteith Award in 2023.

Let us rise to that challenge. Let us be participants.

14 FBINAA.ORG | Q4 2025