NEW CASTLE, Del. – Today, Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Executive Director Joel V. Coppadge announced that Colonel Wayne McFadden has graduated as a member of the 297th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on March 18, 2026.   Colonel McFadden is the seventh officer in the department’s history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers has the opportunity to attend the program. 

“On behalf of the DRBA, I want to congratulate Colonel McFadden for successfully completing the advance training at the FBI National Academy,” said Joel V. Coppadge, Executive Director of the Authority.  “He is the consummate law enforcement professional who understands the challenges and opportunities in law enforcement today.  We’re confident that the advanced skills and training Colonel McFadden received will serve him well as he continues to lead the talented men and women of our police department.”

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. 

The 297th session consisted of two hundred and fifty-three law enforcement officers who graduated today from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 297th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations. 

About the Delaware River and Bay Authority 
The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing.  The DRBA also manages two airports in New Jersey (Millville Executive Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (Wilmington Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through bridge, ferry and airport facilities.  For more information, visit www.drba.net.

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 all the National Academy courses offered.   A total of 56,941 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.