FBINAA Associate Q1 Magazine

NATIONAL OFFICE UPDATE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

F B I N A A . O R G | Q 1 2 0 2 2

Howard Cook

A s we move forward in 2022 and put 2021 in the rearview mirror, it’s time for us to make this year’s personal and professional goals a reality. It’s also a time to reflect on how we got to this point in our careers and the leadership provided by those who preceded us. Let us not forgot the historic values of our Association and the foundation and ideals on which it is built. These ideals are expressed so eloquently in the National Academy seal. The seal represents the core values of who we are and we who we serve: The FBI National Academy seal is symbolic of the united effort on the part of all graduates of the FBI National Academy to maintain the high ideals of the law enforcement profession. Each facet of the National Academy – academic achievement, strength, valor and integrity – is embodied in the symbols and colors of the seal. The eagle represents the courage of law enforcement, flanked by academic excellence and law and order, as represented by the olive branch. The strength in body and mind necessary for law enforcement is symbolized by the arrows. The eagle stands on the United States shield. The red stripes of the shield symbolize the courage and strength neces- sary in law enforcement and the white stripes stand for light, peace and truth. The unity of law enforcement is represented by the 13 stripes comprising the shield, the 13 arrows and the 13 appendages of the olive branch, reminiscent of the 13 origi- nal states. The motivating ideals of the national academy are expressed in the motto, “Knowledge, Courage, Integrity.” The peaked, beveled edge surrounding the National Academy seal represents the continuing forces of adversity facing the law enforcement community. Symbols are important and more than just images on paper or on buildings. The National Academy seal is a commitment we made to our profession and to protecting the communities we serve around the world.

Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Howard M. Cook FBINAA Executive Director FBINA 224

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