A member of the Greer Police Department command staff is back home after an intensive training experience with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lieutenant Chris Forrester graduated from the FBI National Academy in December. The 11-week program brings together law enforcement staff from around the world to learn about leadership, communication, media, community engagement, forensics, and trends and challenges in their profession from subject matter experts. The program also includes a rigorous physical fitness component.
“This experience challenged me as a leader, both mentally and physically, and strengthened my understanding of purposeful, intentional leadership,” said Lt. Forrester. “I am grateful for the challenges and the relationships built and am eager to apply the lessons learned to better lead and develop others within our department. I am appreciative to Chief Hamby and our organization for allowing me to attend the National Academy.”
Greer Police Chief Matt Hamby says Lt. Forrester has brought back new perspectives and knowledge that could only be gained by completing the FBI National Academy. “I am very proud of Lt. Forrester's commitment to the National Academy program and look forward to his continuous journey of leadership,” said Chief Hamby.
Lt. Forrester’s leadership journey includes time in the United States Marine Corps. He ended his military enlistment as a sergeant. Forrester completed several six-month deployments to locations in the Mediterranean and Okinawa, Japan. He said his time in the Marine Corps taught him discipline, accountability, and the importance of leading by example. Forrester said those lessons continue to guide his leadership today.
The Greer Police Department has a significant history of sending command staff members to the FBI National Academy. In addition to Lt. Forrester, Chief Hamby, Captain Eric Pressley, Captain Scott Ellis, and Lieutenant Cris Varner are also academy graduates.