It’s a prestigious program for only the best of law-enforcement personnel.

It’s the Federal Bureau of Investigation Law-Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (or FBI LEEDS). And Chief Stephen Zill of the Gaston County Police Department is amongst a host of graduates in the program’s 82^nd session, which was held recently.

Zill was congratulated by his department’s members for this recent accomplishment.

The FBI LEEDS program was created in 1981. It’s intended for executives of mid-sized law-enforcement agencies. Sessions focus on presentations by subject matter experts in various fields, facilitated discussions, problem-solving exercises and leadership-related site visits. The main goal of the Bureau’s executive leadership programs is to provide professional law-enforcement executive development through the facilitation of contemporary policing issues.

North Carolina Preparedness Month

In other news, September is North Carolina Preparedness Month.

The GCPD reminds you that disasters don’t plan ahead. But you can.

And according to the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services, you should make an emergency plan today and practice it. Preparing your family for an emergency is as simple as a conversation over dinner. Be sure to have an emergency supply kit ready to use. Stay informed. Make sure you have a way to receive the latest weather alerts. And make a family communications plan and stick to it.

Remember: disasters can strike at any time. But your response to them doesn’t have to be disastrous.