Sheriff’s Major Eric Flowers has graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy Program held in Quantico, Virginia, deputies said.
Flowers said he was proud and honored to be selected to attend the program.
“It’s the best law enforcement training anywhere in the country, and in the world,” Flowers said. “To be able to come together with people from all 50 states and different countries and learn from them. We all have similar issues we’re dealing with.”
Sheriff Deryl Loar said less than one tenth of one percent of all law enforcement officers have the opportunity to attend the FBI National Academy Program.
“In the 92 year history of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Major Flowers is only the 11th person to represent our agency at the FBI Academy in Quantico.”
The speakers at the academy graduation were President Donald Trump, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI director Christopher Wray.
In October, 222 law enforcement officers began the rigorous 11-week training program at the academy. The program, known for its academic excellence, offers courses in advanced communication, leadership, cyber crime and fitness for selected law enforcement leaders who have proven records as professionals within their agencies.
The 270th Session of the academy consisted of men and women from 49 states, the District of Columbia, 20 international countries, three military organizations and four federal civilian organizations, deputies said. Training is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, special agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees.
The FBI National Academy began in 1935 as a way to professionalize policing across the country, deputies said. Since 1972, the academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia through courses offered in the program.
