EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos D. Pulido has graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, completing an invitation-only leadership program for experienced law enforcement officers, the sheriff’s office announced.
Pulido was among 255 law enforcement officers who graduated from the academy’s 298th Session. The group included officers from 46 states and the District of Columbia, along with 29 international members representing law enforcement agencies from 26 countries, five military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations. FBI Director Kash Patel delivered remarks at the graduation ceremony.
“I return with a continued commitment to leadership, professionalism, and growth,” Pulido said. “The lessons learned at the FBI National Academy will help strengthen our department through continued growth, collaboration, and innovation, while ultimately enhancing our ability to serve the people who place their trust in us every day.”
The FBI National Academy provides 10 weeks of advanced training in leadership, communication, and fitness. According to the sheriff’s office, the program is internationally recognized and reserved for officers with proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, participating officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and typically return to their agencies to serve in executive-level roles.
The academy’s coursework is accredited by the University of Virginia, allowing participants to earn undergraduate and graduate credits. Since the program began in 1935, 57,196 officers have completed the FBI National Academy.
Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor praised Pulido’s accomplishment in a statement.
“I am incredibly proud of Chief Pulido for this remarkable achievement,” Connor said. “His hard work and dedication exemplify the values of our department. Graduating from the FBI National Academy is not just a personal milestone; it is also a testament to Chief Pulido’s leadership and commitment to public safety. We look forward to the impact his training will have on the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and our community.”
Pulido emphasized that the FBI National Academy training that he recently attended is not to be confused with new agent training, which also takes place at Quantico. The FBI National Academy is strictly for experienced professionals, he said.
Pulido said he was honored by Connor’s comments and reflected on his time in the program.
“I have read Sheriff Connor’s comments and am truly honored,” Pulido said. “Over the past 11 weeks, I have had the honor of learning alongside some of the finest law enforcement executives from across the nation and around the world.
“This tremendous professional opportunity was only possible because of the unwavering support of my family, Sheriff Connor, everyone at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and those who nominated me.”
Pulido became chief of the Alton Police Department in October 2020. He became chief deputy sheriff under Connor for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office in early December 2022.
Pulido grew up in the area and graduated from Alton High School in 1996. He joined the Alton Police Explorers post at age 16 and remained a member until age 21. He became an officer at 22.
Pulido served as an Alton Police patrol officer for 4.5 years before becoming a detective in the criminal investigations division. He also served as a member of the APD Street Crimes Unit, an investigator with the Illinois Child Death Task Force, a crisis negotiator for both the Alton Police Department and the ILEAS Special Response Team, an FBI task force officer, and a supervisor with the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis.
Pulido was a certified juvenile officer and part of the Illinois Crisis Intervention Team while with the Alton Police Department team. He also became a detective supervisor overseeing the APD Narcotics Unit. In August 2019, he was appointed Alton Police Department deputy chief.
Pulido said the networking opportunities at the recent FBI National Academy session were “amazing.”
“There were police executives from all parts of the country, of all backgrounds, and we had several ’round-table’ discussions that were focused on leadership, people, and our community. It was an honor to graduate from the National Academy, but I love being back home in our community. I am committed to contributing to being a law enforcement leader in our community and being a part of growing future leaders.”
The following are highlights of the training:
- Curriculum and training: Courses include academic studies on leadership, counterterrorism, and intelligence theory, accredited by the University of Virginia, alongside intense physical training.
- Location: The program takes place at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Va., located on a 547-acre campus within a Marine Corps base.
- Networking: Graduates join a massive international network of professionals, with over 56,000 having completed the program.
