Hudson police officer graduates from FBI National Academy

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Hudson Police Capt. Steven McElhinney has graduated as a member of the 291st session of the FBI National Academy

HUDSON, NH – Captain Steven McElhinney recently graduated as a member of the 291st session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on September 12, 2024.  Captain McElhinney’s graduation marks the fourth Hudson Police Officer to do so.  He joins Captain David Cayot (2022), Retired Chief Richard Gendron (1999) and the late Chief Andrew Polak (1952) as the only Hudson Officers to complete this prestigious academy.  Nationally, less than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

FBI Director Christopher Wray delivered remarks at the ceremony. Class spokesperson Luther Dupree III, from Oakland Housing Authority Police Department, Oakland, CA, represented the graduating officers.

The 291st session consisted of 254 law enforcement officers from 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam.  The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 26 countries, 7 military organizations, and 7 federal civilian organizations.

Chief Tad Dionne describes Captain McElhinney as a highly motivated, intelligent, and skilled law enforcement officer.  He has attained and excelled in supervisory and command positions within the agency.  He currently commands the Administrative Bureau at the Hudson Police Department where he oversees the Services Division, Communications Division, Records Division and Accreditation.

Captain McElhinney began his Law Enforcement career with the Hudson Police Department July 29, 2007.  After graduating from the 144th New Hampshire Police Academy, he was assigned to the Patrol Division. Later, Captain McElhinney was assigned to the COP Unit in the Criminal Investigations Division and was a tactical member of the Southern New Hampshire Operations Unit. He also became a Certified Field Training Officer and Firearms instructor. He was promoted to Sergeant August 27, 2017 and then promoted to Lieutenant November 4, 2019.  Just prior to promotion to Lieutenant, Captain McElhinney was named the Hudson Police Accreditation Manager.  In 2023, Captain McElhinney received his current rank promotion and assignment.   

During his career, Captain McElhinney has received the Hudson Police Department Life Saving Award in 2015 and twice received the Chief’s Achievement Award in 2015 and 2022.  Captain McElhinney has received many letters of recognition for conducting excellent investigations for providing great police service.  He is a graduate of Norwich University with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and is Master of Public Administration from the University of New Haven.  Captain McElhinney and his wife reside in Southern New Hampshire with their two children. 


About the Hudson Police Department

The Hudson Police Department is a Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Agency serving the residents and businesses of Hudson, NH.  We are committed to excellent community service by hiring and retaining the best possible candidates in both civilian and sworn positions.  We continue to offer the best training available to our staff so we can provide the highest quality service.

About the FBI National Academy

FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits many of the courses offered. A total of 55,440 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.