The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Police officer graduates from program
Village now boasts two FBI National Academy Program alumni
Brian Beaumier had never experienced anything like it in his life.
The Waite Hill Police lieutenant had heard tales of the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia, and knew someday he’d participate.
And that he did, as he was one of 232 law enforcement officers who graduated last month from the specialized training program.
It was the 272nd Session of the National Academy consisting of men and women from 48 states. Also included in the class are members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 25 international countries, five military organizations and several federal civilian organizations.
Beaumier said the National Academy is world-renowned for it academic excellence and offers the 10week course encompassing advanced communications, leadership and fitness training to selected officers having proven records as professionals within their respective agencies.
“On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executivetier positions,” the 38-yearold Beaumier added.
Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, special agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees. The program and the training cost the Waite Hill Police Department nothing.
“It’s paid for by the government, accredited through the University of Virginia,” he said. “The three-pillar concept — academics, physical fitness and networking — serves to expand education. Session 272, my session, had seven from the state of Ohio. It doesn’t matter if the departments are large or small; we all deal with many of the same issues.”
Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from UVA. Classes are offered in law, behavioral science, forensic science and understanding terrorism/terrorist mindsets, to name a few.
A total of 51,042 graduates represent the alumni of the program since its inception in 1935.
Beaumier said he feels blessed to have been able to participate in the life-altering program and said he’d do it again, if permitted.
“With only four sessions a year, and such low percentage of professionals accepted, I’m very fortunate to have been able to attend, let alone complete the training. A lot of candidates have to wait a lot longer than I had to. It was such a challenge to me. It’s a shark tank, I mean really cutthroat. Too bad it’s only a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The instructors are top-notch.
“It’s a great system of brotherhood, professionalism and commitment,” he said. “Connections are instant, and it’s completely ego-free. You meet so many dedicated and diverse people from across the world united to fight common problems.”
Beaumier, who resides in Mentor with his wife and two daughters, was the sole law enforcement representative from Lake County in Session 272, with two from Cuyahoga County and one from Medina County also attending. Nominees must be regular, full-time officers, have five years of continuous experience, be 25 years old, remain in law enforcement for a minimum of three years after graduating from National Academy and be in excellent physical condition.
Beaumier — nominated by his chief, Keith DeWitt, who also is an alum of the elite professional course of study — became a fulltime officer with Waite Hill in 2005. He joins his chief, who completed the course in 2004, as the second officer from the village to graduate from the academy.
“I can’t say enough about the overwhelming support from Chief DeWitt, Waite Hill Council and Mayor (Robert) Ranallo to have the ability to do something like this,” Beaumier said. “Council is very proactive with the police department. And keeping in touch with the friends I’ve made is a part of the entire experience. Words really can’t describe it.”