Lt. Kevin May of the Hudson Police Department recently graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Lt. May lived at the academy for the rigorous 10-week program, where he received leadership training in drug enforcement, labor laws, computer crimes, interviewing and fitness. He earned 17 college credits from the University of Virginia for completing the program.
As part of the training, every Wednesday was a physical challenge, beginning with a 1.5-mile run, gradually increasing each week, and ending with the final challenge, the yellow brick road. The yellow brick road is a 6.1-mile run, half of which is a Marine obstacle course through the hills and woods.
Lt. May, along with 263 other law enforcement officers, graduated from the Academy on September 21, 2012.
Associate Deputy Director Kevin L. Perkins was the principal speaker at the graduation ceremony. The graduating officers were represented by the class spokesperson, Detective Chief Inspector Kenneth Armstrong, with the Strathclyde Police, in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom. A total of 46,082 graduates now represent the FBI National Academy since it began in July 1935. Of this number, approximately 28,569 are still active in law enforcement.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 10 weeks of advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive level positions.
Training for the program is provided by FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.