Santa Maria Police Chief Christopher Williams announced that Commander Nathan Totorica graduated today as a member of the 299th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Totorica, an 18-year veteran of the Santa Maria Police Department, was also promoted to the rank of Police Commander earlier this month.
Internationally recognized for its academic excellence, the FBI National Academy provides 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training for experienced law enforcement professionals. Session 299 included 265 law enforcement officers representing 44 states and the District of Columbia, along with 29 international law enforcement members from 28 countries, five military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations.
Chief Williams, a 2018 graduate of the FBI National Academy, stated, “I am thankful for the support of the City Council and City Manager David Rowlands in providing Commander Totorica the opportunity to further his leadership development and investing in the future of the Santa Maria Police Department. Having graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2018, I know firsthand the value and prestige of attending the National Academy.”
Before joining the Santa Maria Police Department, Commander Totorica served with the Yavapai County Probation Department in Arizona from 2004 to 2007. During his 18 years as a sworn officer with SMPD, he has served in a variety of assignments, including Field Training Officer, Detective, Gang Suppression Team Officer, Special Enforcement Team Supervisor, Watch Commander, Professional Standards Unit Lieutenant, and Department Wellness Coordinator. He has also served extensively on the department’s SWAT Team as an operator, team leader, and tactical commander.
Commander Totorica holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and has a long history of community involvement. He has coached numerous boys’ and girls’ youth sports and previously served on a local church board. He currently serves on the YMCA Board of Directors, the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Board, and the Southern California District Council for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Commander Totorica’s graduation from the FBI National Academy, along with his recent promotion, reflects the Santa Maria Police Department’s continued investment in leadership development and preparing its members to serve the department and community at the highest levels.
About the FBI National Academy
FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training, with many instructors recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been eligible to earn undergraduate and graduate credits through the University of Virginia, which accredits the National Academy courses.
The FBI National Academy began in 1935 and is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the same facility where the FBI trains new special agents and intelligence analysts. With the graduation of Session 299, 57,461 law enforcement professionals have completed the FBI National Academy.
Prepared by:
Danny Rios, Commander
(805) 928 - 3781 ext. 1307
[email protected]
