Injury Update

Finally got a chance to run today after my calf injury two weeks ago.  Ran one mile in 9 minutes and 33 seconds.   Not my fastest but calf seems to be ok.   Going to go for a nice slow two mile run Thursday.

Feeling better

Almost two weeks has passed since my injury.  Leg feels better.  Still got some errant pains.  I believe that they are due to me getting older.  I'm not 25 anymore!

I may try for an easy run tomorrow.

Stacy and I are going shopping for some NA supplies.  I've got most everything I need at this point. 

Registered for Courses

I registered for my courses today.  Wasn't able to get into the media relations course that I wanted.  There are only 42 slots for about 230 people.  I may try to get in that class on a later dare.

Courses Are:

Essentials for Law Enforcement Leaders
Legal Issues for Command Line Officers
Overview of Forensic Science for Police Administrators and Managers
Public Speaking
Fitness in Law Enforcement (Mandatory for All)
Stress Management in Law Enforcement
National Academy Networking and Enrichment (Mandatory for All)

Injury!

I tore a muscle or fascia in my right calf.  I was doing so great at preparing for the physical aspect of the FBINA.  Was running my miles at about a 9 minute pace.  Had to stop running for at least two weeks.   Very upset! 

Introduction

My grandson, Roman, and I.

 Hello all,

I am Lieutenant Donald "Don" Ridley with the Oxford Police Department in Oxford, Alabama.  I have been in law enforcement now for about 19 years.  I am currently assigned to the Uniform Division as commander of B-Shift.  I am also over my department's Traffic Homicide Unit and the Honor Guard.  Prior to law enforcement I was on active duty U.S. Army for a few years.  I am also a Master Mason under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Alabama F&AM. 

I created this blog to document my journey to, and through, the FBI National Academy (FBINA) in Quantico, Virginia.  For those that don't know, the FBINA is the pinnacle of training in the law enforcement world.  Less than 1 percent of law enforcement in the United States gets the opportunity to go.  It lasts 10-11 weeks and is held at the same facilities as the FBI Academy itself.

I am incredibly honored to have been given the opportunity to attend this training!!  A HUGE thank you to Chief Partridge (also an NA graduate)!!!  Thank you to the Mayor and City Council for your support.   Thank you to my coworkers and especially the men and women of B-Shift.  A leader is not an island unto himself but is the product of great teamwork!  Thank you to my FBI coordinator, Season Allen, who has followed and helped every step of the way.  Last but not least, thank you to my friends and family for helping me prepare and listening to me ad nauseam about the FBINA!  

Don

Some of my family.  From left to right:  Hayley (awesome daughter-in-law), Steven (my incredible son and Hayley's husband), me, Scarlett (my super smart daughter).

OPD Honor Guard in the Sentinel Quarters in May 2014. (I'm the really short guy in front)

An example of one of my crash investigations.