NEWS RELEASE Contact: Chief Cynthia McAlister
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE cmcaslister@purcellvilleva.gov
PURCELLVILLE POLICE LIEUTENANT DUFEK GRADUATES FROM FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY
PURCELLVILLE, Va., March 18, 2022 — The Purcellville Police Department is pleased to announce that Lieutenant Barry Dufek has graduated from the 281st session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia. Lieutenant Dufek was one of 269 law enforcement officers who graduated on March 17, 2022 from the 10-week program. This session included men and women from 45 states and the District of Columbia, 32 countries, as well as five military organizations and six federal civilian organizations.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy in Quantico, offers 10-weeks of coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, advanced law enforcement communication, forensic science, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. The professional course of study serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad, and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide. Lieutenant Dufek was able to complete a graduate certificate in Public Safety from the University of Virginia during the National Academy Program. He also earned graduate credits which Lieutenant Dufek plans to apply towards his Masters in Public Safety with an anticipated completion date of late 2022. Instruction for the program is provided by the FBI Academy training staff, Special Agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise. 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.
During his time in the National Academy Program, Lieutenant Dufek was selected to be an international mentor of a fellow law enforcement officer from Sao Paulo, Brazil. In addition, he participated and completed the optional 34 mile swim, which included 2,176 laps, obtaining the coveted “blue brick,” on top of also completing the “Yellow Brick Road” challenge; a 6.1 mile run and obstacle course built by U.S. Marines.
Lieutenant Dufek has been with the Purcellville Police Department since 2016, but his career in law enforcement spans more than twenty years. He was first hired in 2000 as a dispatcher in the Emergency Communications Center, then applied to become a sworn deputy with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). During his time with the LCSO, Lieutenant Dufek served as a patrol deputy, a motor deputy, and within the Community Policing Unit. Upon his promotion to sergeant, he served as the supervisor overseeing recruitment and hiring. At the Purcellville Police Department, Lieutenant Dufek continues to serve as a vehicle and motorcycle lead training instructor at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy’s driver training track. Lieutenant Dufek has served as the Operations Commander of patrol operations for the Purcellville Police Department. He is currently the Administrative Commander for the Department, overseeing the Property & Evidence function, Records Management System, Recruitment & Hiring, as well as the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC) Accreditation program for Purcellville.
Lieutenant Dufek is the first member of the Purcellville Police Department to have graduated from the FBI Academy as a Purcellville officer. Lieutenant Dufek joins both Chief Cynthia McAlister and Deputy Chief Dave Dailey as fellow graduates of the FBI National Academy, though they both attended while with their previous law enforcement agencies.
“From industry modernizations to the implementation of innovative technology, police agencies are evolving. The Purcellville Police Department is committed to a positive vision for police-community relationships, embracing strategic priorities that align with stakeholder expectations and ensuring transparency. The FBI National Academy experience afforded me an opportunity to collaborate with many rising police leaders, and I am excited to bring a fresh perspective back to the Town of Purcellville. I look forward to the future of our community, and remain motivated to continue the progress of my PPD colleagues,” stated Lieutenant Dufek.
“This program increases the professionalism of our leadership staff and enables our Department to network with law enforcement agencies of all sizes, throughout the world,” said Chief Cynthia McAlister. “The relationships and skills Lieutenant Dufek has developed over the past 10 weeks will enrich and benefit both the Purcellville Police Department and our community,” stated Chief McAlister. Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Dufek on completing this prestigious and challenging program.
Lt. Barry Dufek
The Town of Purcellville, Virginia
“Purcellville-your small Town, where history and progress intersect and people prosper,” is an award-winning town of over 10,000 residents located in Loudoun County, approximately 50 miles west of Washington, DC. Having received the prestigious Siemens Sustainability Award for Small Communities, Purcellville continues to be honored for its green initiatives with most recently being the Tree City USA recipient for the 13th year. The Town was reaffirmed as a AAA rated community by S&P Global Ratings, the highest credit rating possible, and is ranked “Safest City” in Virginia in 2020. Once a stop along the W&OD rail line, which has been converted to a multi-use trail from Alexandria, VA to Purcellville, the Town has maintained its historic old-town feel through the restoration and maintenance of its many downtown structures, reflecting the Victorian architecture popular during the early 1900s. Today, Purcellville is the economic hub of western Loudoun County and a popular weekend destination for antiquing, equestrian activities, farmer’s markets, wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. More info at www.purcellvilleva.gov.
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