QUANTICO, Va. – Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force Cmdr. Clay Hammac graduated from the 270th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on Friday, Dec. 15. According to a press release from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Hammac underwent 11 weeks of training in advanced communication, leadership and fitness. In his absence Lt. Dennis Blackerby took temporary command of the SCDETF.

The press release stated that Hammac was one of more than 200 law enforcement executives internationally to graduate. U.S. President Donald Trump was present at the ceremony and commended the graduates and their families for their dedication and sacrifices.

Additionally, Hammac earned several fitness-related awards through the FBI National Academy. Hammac received a yellow painted brick with his session number after he completed a 6.1-mile obstacle course knows as the “Yellow Brick Road.” He also received a Tri-athlete award after he completed a 270-mile cycling challenge and a 34-mile rowing challenge.

Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego said he was proud to have a representative from the SCSO participate in the FBI National Academy.

“The Sheriff’s Office is grateful to our partners in the FBI for granting us an opportunity to share in their training,” Samaniego said. “We are very proud of all our National Academy graduates and know the citizens of Shelby County will be well served by this training.”

While he was training, Hammac said his wide support system helped him successfully complete the course.

“The FBI National Academy is an incredible experience and I could not have completed these 11 weeks without the support of my wife, my church and the confidence of Sheriff Samaniego and the command staff of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office,” Hammac said. “I will always be humbled and grateful for this opportunity to have represented Shelby County. I look forward to getting back to work and serving alongside the hard-working men and women of the Drug Enforcement Task Force.”