Five officers from the Houston area were among the 219 law enforcement professionals who graduated from the 285th session of the FBI’s National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. This National Academy class consisted of men and women from 47 American states, 6 military organizations, 6 federal civilian organizations, and 28 nations around the world.

FBI Director Christopher Wray delivered remarks at the graduation ceremony. The officers from the Houston area are listed below:

• Assistant Chief Donald Dean Swartzlander, Jr., from the Bryan Police Department
• Lieutenant James Lovett from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Kenderlette N. Gibson from the Houston Police Department
• Captain Travis C. Ladd from the League City Police Department
• Lieutenant Eric Wilson Jones from the Memorial Villages Police Department

Experienced FBI instructors, special agents, and professional support teams provide various trainings during each National Academy session. Many of these same instructors are renowned internationally for their advanced work in various fields. Moreover, students can earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which has accredited many National Academy courses since 1972.

Recognized worldwide for its academic excellence, the FBI’s National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication courses, leadership classes, and fitness challenges. Candidates must demonstrate proven records as professionals within their agencies to even be considered for selection into the program. On average, these officers have more than 20 years of law enforcement experience and typically serve in executive-level positions after returning to their respective agencies.

Since its inception in 1935, more than 54,100 public safety professionals have graduated from the FBI National Academy. The National Academy is held at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, at the same facility where new FBI special agents and intelligence analysts receive training and instruction.