Capt. Yandle Makes History as First FSU Officer Accepted to FBI National Academy
Just three days ago, law enforcement officers across the country were recognized for their dedication on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. This year, that recognition feels especially meaningful at Fayetteville State University, where Capt. Richard Blake Yandle has made history as the first FSU officer selected for the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
On Jan. 9, Yandle reported for his first day of training. There, he joined more than 200 law enforcement leaders from around the world for a challenging 10-week program. Earning a spot in the academy is no small feat, as fewer than 1% of officers nationwide are selected for this opportunity.
When Yandle received his acceptance email, he could hardly believe it was real and even contacted the FBI to confirm the news. Now, as Session 297 gets underway, he is representing Bronco Nation and bringing pride to the university, all within days of the national celebration of his profession.
“I’m super-excited and humbled,” Yandle said, reflecting on the opportunity. Before he could attend the academy, an FBI special agent from Charlotte visited FSU to administer his physical fitness test and time his one-mile run. Yandle passed the test with flying colors. Now, as he begins his training, he looks forward to studying law, behavioral and forensic sciences, the terrorist mindset, communications, health and fitness, and leadership development.
Though grateful for the opportunity, he does not plan to join the FBI. Instead, Yandle views this experience as an opportunity to bring new knowledge, inspiration, and leadership skills back to the university. His long-term goal is to become a Police Chief.
His dedication to university policing runs deep. During the pandemic, he tried working in finance and put his MBA from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke to use, but it did not feel right to him. He continued working weekends at the White Lake Police Department and soon realized he wanted to return to Fayetteville State, where he progressed through the ranks.
Upon returning to FSU, he found a department that was changing and growing. He takes pride in how the police force has evolved to serve students and the surrounding community better. For example, they now use a fleet of drones to monitor events such as Homecoming and have added three K-9s trained in explosives detection and narcotics tracking. He believes university policing has become more proactive and less reactive.
Much of this progress, he says, is thanks to former Police Chief Roberto Bryan Jr., whom he describes as an excellent and fair leader.
Others in the department have also taken notice. FSU Police Captain Steven Lesane describes him as outgoing and knowledgeable about both law enforcement and the campus. Lesane says Yandle is always willing to help and ensures the job is done. Having known Yandle since his Dixie Youth Baseball days in Bladen County, where Lesane was his coach, he admires the leadership skills Yandle displayed even as a child. "I’m proud of him," Lesane said. "He’s smart, committed, and forward-thinking."
A Year of Recognition
Yandle remains humble about his achievements, even though the past year has been a standout one. Last July, he completed the Administrative Officers Management Program for public safety professionals at North Carolina State University. The program included five courses, both graduate and undergraduate, completed in just 12 weeks. At the same time, he fulfilled his responsibilities at the FSU police department, which included hiring new staff.
“I am proud of myself for being able to accomplish this while also being a full-time dad,” he said with characteristic modesty.
Previously, he earned the FBI LEEDA Trilogy Award for completing three executive-level courses. He was also recognized in Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. Retired police officer Rodney Bryant, who nominated him, praised Yandle’s integrity, commitment to family and community, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Bryant added that seeing Richard advance in his career and serve the community he values has been genuinely inspiring.
In an interview with The Fayetteville Observer, Yandle discussed the challenges and commitment required in law enforcement. He wishes more people recognized the dedication, restraint, and heart needed to excel in the field. Behind the badge, he says, are individuals who care deeply about protecting their communities, making tough decisions under pressure, and often prioritizing others’ safety. He believes the profession demands emotional strength, integrity, and compassion every day.
The People Who Shape Him
As a teenager in Bladenboro, known as “Blake” or “Yandle,” he aspired to be a cardiologist. Everything changed when a highway patrolman gave him a ticket one night for an expired license tag.
“I thought it was the coolest thing,” Yandle recalled. “He wanted to help me, and I still remember his name, Mike Sellers.”
That moment taught Yandle an important lesson. “You’ve got to brighten somebody’s day, even when you’re writing them a ticket or enforcing the law.”
His journey into law enforcement truly began then, and one person has supported him every step of the way: his high school sweetheart and wife of 12 years, Heather.
“She is the real hero,” Yandle said. “Nothing I have achieved would be possible without her.”
Heather’s support is constant, whether she’s working full-time for American Tire Distributors or helping manage life on the family’s 30-acre farm in Bladen County. Together, the Yandles center their lives on faith and family as they raise their three children—Kenley, 11; Willow, 7; and Axel, 1½.
Even with their busy schedules, the whole family finds time to give back by volunteering as coaches for youth sports teams. “We’re full-time all the time!” Yandle said with a hearty laugh, a fitting motto for the energy and commitment that define their lives.