MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Major Chris Adkins of the Marion City Police Department has graduated as a member of the 297th session of the FBI National Academy, Chief Jay McDonald announced.
The graduation took place March 18 at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Major Adkins is only the fifth officer in the department’s history to complete the prestigious program, which is attended by fewer than 1% of law enforcement officers nationally.
The 10-week program provides advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training to professionals with proven records within their agencies. The 297th session included 253 officers representing 48 states, 24 countries, four military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations.
“I am proud of Major Adkins for being selected for this prestigious training opportunity,” Chief McDonald said. “The information learned and the contacts made will benefit the City of Marion for years to come.”
Major Adkins began his career with the Marion City Police Department as a dispatcher in 1996 before becoming a patrol officer in 1999. A two-time Officer of the Year, Adkins rose through the ranks to become Major in 2020. He currently oversees the Criminal Investigations Unit and the MARMET Drug Task Force. In 2025, he was honored as the Ohio NARCO Task Force Commander of the Year.