Hawai‘i Island police captain among latest graduates from FBI National Academy

The FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, recently graduated 244 law enforcement officers from its 293rd session on March 13. Among them was Aaron Carvalho, a captain for Hawai‘i Island police.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the FBI National Academy is a 10-week program of professional study and physical training for U.S. and international law enforcement managers. Attendees are nominated by their agency based on demonstrated leadership qualities.

Carvalho was among men and women from 24 countries, 48 states, 11 military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations to complete the program.

In addition to the professional training, FBI National Academy attendees undergo fitness training and graduates undergo their final fitness challenge on the “Yellow Brick Road,” a grueling 6.1-mile run through a hilly, wooded trail built by US Marines. Along the way, Academy attendees must climb over walls, run through creeks, jump through simulated windows, scale rock faces with ropes, crawl under barbed wire in muddy water, maneuver across a cargo net, and more.

“The experience, knowledge, and partnerships established will surely have a lasting impact on my career and my ability to serve my community,” Carvalho said. “I look forward to applying the valuable lessons learned and continuing the relationships built during this incredible journey.”

Since 1947, Hawai‘i Island police has nominated several officers to attend the Academy, with 11 graduates currently ranging in rank from lieutenant to police chief.

Nationally, fewer than 1% of officers have the opportunity to attend the program, Hawai‘i Island police officials stated in a press release. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

Hawai‘i Island Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz, who is also a graduate from the program, expressed his pride in Carvalho for completing the academy.

“He is to be congratulated for his long-term dedication to excellence, as well as the exemplary skills required to graduate a challenging program such as the FBI National Academy,” the chief said.

Carvalho has served the Hawai‘i Police Department for more than 21 years, starting his career as a patrol officer in South Hilo. Throughout his career, he has worked in specialized units, including the Vice and Training sections.

In 2013, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to Kona Patrol. In 2023, Carvalho was promoted to lieutenant. He was also attached to the Special Response Team from 2008 until 2025, most recently serving as lieutenant and sergeant of the Special Response Team.

While he was attending FBI National Academy he was promoted from lieutenant to captain and is assigned to Hilo Patrol.