By 
April 7, 2026
The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) is celebrating a major milestone within its ranks. Capt. Tony McElyea recently graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy.
As part of Session 297, he joined 252 command-level leaders from around the globe for the Academy’s intensive 10-week program, graduating March 18.
When asked to sum up his experience, he didn’t hesitate: “Challenging. Transformational. Collaborative.” And those three words don’t just describe the program – they reflect the kind of leadership he’s bringing back to Huntsville.
Growth that comes back home
For Capt. McElyea, attending the Academy was rooted in purpose.
“I was motivated by a desire to grow as a leader and bring back proven strategies to better serve our community,” McElyea said.
That global learning environment, paired with real-world leadership challenges, gave him the opportunity to sharpen his approach while exchanging ideas with leaders facing many of the same issues across different communities.
Challenged – and changed
The Academy is designed to stretch its participants, and Capt. McElyea embraced that challenge head-on.
“The most challenging aspect was balancing the rigorous academic schedule, physical demands and collaborative projects,” McElyea said. “It pushes you outside your comfort zone – and that’s where growth happens.”
He said the concept of adaptive leadership stood out the most – leading with flexibility, strong communication and the ability to navigate change effectively.
“Effective leadership requires flexibility, communication and the ability to lead through change,” McElyea added.
Leadership that lasts
The experience didn’t just sharpen skills – it reshaped perspective.
Capt. McElyea returns to HPD with a renewed focus on accountability, transparency and empowering those around him. He’s also placing a stronger emphasis on developing future leaders within the department and prioritizing officer wellness – recognizing that strong organizations start with supported people.
But beyond the curriculum, it was the connections that left a lasting mark.
“The relationships you build are just as valuable as the curriculum,” McElyea said.
From late-night conversations with fellow leaders to shared experiences navigating the demands of the program, those relationships reinforced a common mission: improving public safety through collaboration that goes beyond jurisdictional lines.
Now back in Huntsville, Capt. McElyea is already putting those lessons into action in his role as commander of HPD’s Special Operations Division – applying what he’s learned to strengthen operations, invest in people and continue building trust within the community.
His advice for future attendees is simple:
“Be prepared to fully engage, both academically and personally,” McElyea said. “The more you invest in the experience, the more you gain.”
It’s that same commitment to growth, collaboration and service that continues to move HPD and the community it serves forward.
