Huntsville Police Captain Completes Elite FBI Leadership Training

Capt. Toney McElyea brings back strategies to better serve the Rocket City community

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Huntsville Police Department is celebrating as Capt. Toney McElyea returns from completing the intensive 10-week FBI National Academy program, where he joined 252 command-level leaders from around the world for elite leadership, strategy, and professional development training.

Why it matters

The FBI National Academy is one of the top law enforcement training programs in the country, and graduates often return to their agencies equipped with advanced leadership strategies and a global network of peers to better serve their communities.

The details

McElyea recently graduated from the FBI National Academy as part of Session 297, where the course focused on leadership, strategy, and professional development. He was able to gain hands-on experience in navigating complex public safety challenges while collaborating with peers from diverse agencies.

  • Capt. McElyea graduated from the FBI National Academy on March 18, 2026.
  • He joined 252 command-level leaders from around the globe for the 10-week program.

The players

Capt. Toney McElyea

A commander in the Huntsville Police Department's Special Operations Division who recently completed the elite FBI National Academy program.

Huntsville Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Huntsville, Alabama that Capt. McElyea serves.

FBI National Academy

One of the top law enforcement training programs in the country, designed to stretch participants and equip them with advanced leadership strategies.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Challenging. Transformational. Collaborative.”

— Capt. Toney McElyea, Huntsville Police Captain

“I was motivated by a desire to grow as a leader and bring back proven strategies to better serve our community.”

— Capt. Toney McElyea, Huntsville Police Captain

“Effective leadership requires flexibility, communication, and the ability to lead through change.”

— Capt. Toney McElyea, Huntsville Police Captain

What’s next

Capt. McElyea is already putting the lessons he learned at the FBI National Academy into action in his role as commander of the Huntsville Police Department's Special Operations Division, applying what he's learned to strengthen operations, invest in people, and continue building trust within the community.

The takeaway

The FBI National Academy is recognized as one of the top law enforcement training programs in the country, and Capt. McElyea's completion of the program demonstrates the Huntsville Police Department's commitment to developing its leadership and equipping officers with the skills and strategies needed to better serve their community.