LOWER POTTSGROVE >> A Lower Pottsgrove police officer is receiving some well-deserved attention after his recent graduation.
On March 17, Sgt. William A. James graduated from the FBI National Academy, a program that is known internationally for its reputation for academic excellence.
“It was back in 2015. I put in an application through the FBI National Academy and it ended up going to my chapter which is the northeastern chapter,” James said. “It was approved and it went to the National Academy itself and they do an extensive background search of applicants. Around September or October of 2016 I was called and told that I was accepted.”
The program offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training for officers who have proven records as professionals with their agencies. The officers that enter the academy usually have about 21 years of law enforcement experience and return to their agencies after the program to serve in executive-level positions.
“When I got down there I wasn’t sure what to expect other than what I was told from other officers. I was a little taken aback. It was overwhelming to be headed to such a prestigious academy,” said James. “I was surprised and excited and definitely, as things went on, I found that it was a great experience educationally. It’s a top notch education from the experts in different fields.”
During his time at the academy, James completed 30 hours of coursework in fitness in law enforcement and 45 hours each in courses including effective writing, public speaking, employment law issues for law enforcement executives, essentials for law enforcement leaders and law enforcement approaches to counter terrorism.
James said one of the most surprising parts of his training was the physical aspect.
“The physical training far exceeded what I expected. They really stressed that you needed to be in physical shape for the job you do. It was very work intensive but it was a great experience,” he explained.
In addition to his training, James also completed a voluntary fitness challenge of biking 267 miles during his 10 weeks at the academy, as well as a competition called the ” Yellow Brick Road” in which competitors run a 6.2 mile obstacle course to earn a yellow brick.
The graduation ceremony, held in Quantico, Virginia, featured a speech by FBI Director James Comey. Officers graduating from the program included 227 members of law enforcement agencies in Washington, D.C., 25 international countries, three military organizations and eight federal civilian organizations.
“I think it gave focus on my job and future within law enforcement and this department,” said James of his experience. “There are some things I want to talk to the chief about and see if we can’t add a few things I’ve learned into our policies and procedures. Hopefully we’ll continue to make Lower Pottsgrove the outstanding police department we are.”
