Warren County’s Top Cop Completes World-Renowned FBI Leadership Program

Sheriff Crystal M. Cline graduated on September 4, 2025, from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 10-week program is one of the most respected law enforcement leadership programs in the world, admitting fewer than 1% of officers globally. The 295th session of the FBI National Academy included 254 participants from 49 states, the District of Columbia, 20 international countries, six U.S. military branches, and four federal civilian agencies. FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the graduates during the ceremony.

Sheriff Cline is the first female law enforcement officer from Warren County to complete the program, joining an elite cadre of leaders with over two decades of experience in policing. While her achievement is groundbreaking, she is also continuing a proud Warren County tradition. Over the years, five others from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and the Front Royal Police Department (FRPD) have attended the National Academy: Retired Lt. Billy Chapman (Session 160, WCSO), Retired Captain Steve Schiro (Session 164, FRPD), Retired Chief Ronnie Williamson (Session 211, FRPD), Retired Chief Norman Shiflett (Session 230, WCSO), and Retired Chief Kahle Magalis (Session 264, WCSO). Both Shiflett and Magalis went on to lead the FRPD as Chief of Police. Sheriff Cline’s graduation both honors their legacy and advances it by marking a first for women in county and town law enforcement.

Sheriff Crystal Cline completed five graduate-level credits from the University of Virginia. She completed advanced coursework in Wellness and Fitness, Conflict Resolution for Law Enforcement Executives, Critical Incident Leadership: Decision Making for Executives, Managing Organizational Change and Development, Psychology of Leadership, and Managing the Law Enforcement Image. The training is delivered by FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees and expertise, and many instructors are also recognized internationally in their fields.

A total of 56,434 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.
Reflecting on the experience, Sheriff Cline said:

“This wasn’t just a personal milestone for me. It was about learning new strategies and ideas that I can bring back to strengthen our Sheriff’s Office, better support our deputies, and build safer communities for Warren County. I am deeply grateful to my command staff, operational staff, and every single member of our agency who kept us moving forward while I was away. This accomplishment reflects not only my journey but also the strength and dedication of the men and women who serve beside me. I’m honored to represent our county on a national stage and even more determined to put what I’ve learned into action here at home.”

(From WCSO Press Release)