Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Lieutenant Matthew Hilkert has graduated from the FBI National Academy, completing a prestigious 10-week training program reserved for top-tier law enforcement leaders.
Hilkert was among 239 law enforcement officers from across the U.S. and around the world who graduated on June 5 from the Academy’s 294th session in Quantico, Virginia. The class included representatives from 48 states, the District of Columbia, 14 countries, six military organizations, and four federal civilian agencies.
Internationally recognized for its academic rigor, the FBI National Academy provides advanced training in leadership, communication, and fitness. Attendees are nominated and must hold the rank of lieutenant or higher, with an average of 21 years of law enforcement experience. Hilkert, a 22-year veteran, exemplified the experience and professionalism required to join the program.
Beginning his career with the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Hilkert laterally transferred to Wayne County and rose through the ranks from Deputy Sheriff to Detective Sergeant, and then to Road Patrol Lieutenant in May 2021. He also serves as Emergency Response Team Commander and has played key roles in multijurisdictional cases involving serious felonies, including homicide.
At the Academy, Hilkert earned 18 college credits through the University of Virginia. He also completed rigorous physical challenges, including a 6.1-mile obstacle course known as the “yellow brick road,” and achieved milestones in bicycling, rowing, weightlifting, and hiking—the latter earning him the Virginia Triple Crown.
Reflecting on the experience, Hilkert said the most memorable part was “the networking with peers from across the world.”
Sheriff Rob Milby praised Hilkert’s achievement. “I’m proud to see Lt. Hilkert graduate from the NA and look forward to the application of Hilkert’s training in the professional development of the Road Patrol at the Sheriff’s Office.”
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