Sheriff Austin Garrett is proud to announce Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Uniformed Services Captain Spencer Daniels graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy, Session 289, on Friday, March 15, in Quantico, Virginia.
One-hundred and ninety-seven law enforcement officers graduated Friday from the FBI National Academy. The 289th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 23 countries, four military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
“As a previous graduate of the 273rd Session of the FBI National Academy, I understand the challenges and the efforts required to successfully attend and complete this prestigious academy,” Sheriff Garrett. “As an agency, we recognize our people are our most valuable assets and investing in their professional development should be a career-long process.
“I am very proud of Captain Daniels’ hard work and efforts, as well as the sacrifice he has had to make on a personal and professional level which required him to be away from his family and the Sheriff’s Office for 10 weeks to complete this course of study.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray delivered remarks at the ceremony. Class spokesperson Heath Jackson, from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Brewton, Alabama, represented the graduating officers.
FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits all the National Academy courses offered.
A total of 54,985 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. 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.
