Lakewood Police Lt. Graduates From FBI National Academy

Two hundred fifty-seven law enforcement officers graduated March 18 from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, VA. 

Lakewood Police Department Lt. Gary Sprague was one of them.

Chief Timothy Malley, who is also a graduate, called Sprague’s achievement an “honor for the Lakewood Police Department.”

“The desire to undertake this intensive training speaks directly to the level of commitment Lieutenant Sprague has to excel in his profession, develop personally, and utilize this experience in his leadership in the Lakewood Police Department,” Malley said in a statement.

The program is no walk in the park.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program — hosted 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, according to a statement released by the Lakewood Police Department.

Sprague, a 22-year veteran of the , has just about done it all in Lakewood.

He started as a patrol officer, and has worked the beat as an accident investigator, field training officer and sergeant and lieutenant in patrol. His current post is as the special operations supervisor where he is in command of the Neighborhood Police Officers, DARE, School Resource Officer, Training, Auxiliaries and Crime Prevention divisions.

The 244^th Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 49 states.  Included in the class are members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 20 countries, four military organizations and four federal civilian organizations.

Make no mistake, the is proud of Sprague’s accomplishments.

Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers said that Lt. Sprague's leadership and training “will be of significant benefit to the citizens of Lakewood."

“Staying current with the newest developments in crime fighting and investigation is extremely important to Lakewood's public safety effectiveness,” he added.

Training for the international program is provided by the FBI Academy, Special Agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees — many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise. A total of 44,537 graduates no represent the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. Of this number approximately 27,025 are still active in law enforcement. 

In addition to Malley and Sprague, Capt. Gary Stone is also a graduate of the program.