Sevierville PD officer graduates FBI leadership program [Video]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Robby Nelms, a lieutenant in the Sevierville Police Department, completed the Federal Burea of Investigation’s National Academy last month. The 10-week, college-level course is a combination of academics, professional development and physical fitness training.

“Recruiting, retention, how to lead people, as well as commanding crisis situations,” Nelms said.

He said learning to identify signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and how to talk with colleagues was also a component.

The 20-year law enforcement veteran started his career as a dispatcher in Gatlinburg after graduating high school. He moved to the Sevierville Police Department around 3 years later and has climbed the ranks, joining the Honor Guard and SWAT Unit on his way to lieutenant.

He said he’s also attended various schools to learn about those units. It’s a practice Joe Manning, Sevierville’s police chief, …