San Angelo Police Chief Graduates FBI Academy Next to Shaq

QUANTICO, VA — FBI Director Kash Patel congratulated 265 law enforcement officials who graduated Thursday from Session 299 of the FBI National Academy, calling the class historic because basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal took part and was named an honorary FBI special agent. 

San Angelo Police Chief Travis Griffith was among the graduates. In a Facebook post after returning home, Griffith thanked his wife and their family for managing things while he was away. He also credited Assistant Chiefs Adam Scott and Craig Thomason for running the department in his absence. 

Griffith said he has emphasized training since taking office and attended the academy because he would not ask officers to complete demanding courses he would not complete himself.

“You cannot expect people to grow if you will not grow with them,” he wrote. He called it an honor to hear O’Neal speak and to see him sworn in as an honorary special agent. 

The 10-week leadership program at the FBI Academy draws experienced officers from across the United States and abroad. Patel said it was also the first National Academy session to include two FBI special agents, from Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

"This session is historic — FBI was honored to be joined by one of the best supporters of law enforcement in the country — Shaq — who graduated with this session and became an honorary FBI Special Agent,” Patel wrote on X. The honorary title does not confer sworn agent status or investigative authority. O’Neal, a longtime reserve officer and public supporter of police, spoke at the ceremony. 

The FBI National Academy, established in 1935, provides advanced instruction in leadership, law, behavioral science, and fitness.