Whitehall Township Police Department has announced that Chief Michael Marks recently returned from Quantico, Va., after graduating from the 271st FBI National Academy.

Marks graduated from the academy March 16 with 223 other law enforcement officers, including members of law enforcement agencies from 48 states, the District of Columbia, 18 international countries, five military organizations and five federal civilian organizations.

This achievement complements Marks’ already successful career with the Whitehall Township Police Department. Marks was born and raised in Northampton County.

He came to the Whitehall Township Police Department in 1999. Marks has served the department in a wide variety of assignments over the years, including patrol, investigations, and gang and street crimes and as a member of the MERT Oversight Committee.

He has served as the chief of police since 2016.

Marks graduated from DeSales University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice and is undertaking postgraduate work at the University of Virginia. He holds several certificates, including the FBI LEEDA Management Certificate and the FBI LEEDA Executive Certificate. He also recently completed a 30-hour executive training block with the Los Angeles Police Department.

He has also been very involved in the Whitehall Township and Lehigh County community. He currently engages in various public speaking forums with topics including home and neighborhood safety, as well as community involvement and law enforcement trends.

Marks also coached high school football for more than 10 years with Whitehall High School, Allen High School and, most recently, Central Catholic High School.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

FBI Director Christopher Asher Wray was the principal speaker at the ceremony.

Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy staff, special agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.

Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered.

The graduating officers were represented by the class spokesperson, Ralph Cilento, New York City Police Department. A total of 50,808 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935.