Chief Michael Begonis is pleased to announce that on September 15, Lieutenant Brian Pupa graduated from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia. The class of 224 law enforcement officers represented agencies from 48 states, the District of Columbia, 22 international countries, five military organizations, and six federal civilian organizations.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
FBI Associate Deputy Director David Bowdich was the principal speaker at the ceremony.
Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.
Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered.
The graduating officers were represented by the class spokesperson, Marco Gonzalez, Lieutenant, New York Police Department, New York, New York. A total of 50,365 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935.
Lieutenant Pupa joined the Wilmington Police Department in 1997. He holds a Law Degree from Massachusetts School of Law. Lieutenant Pupa is currently assigned as the commander of the Wilmington Police Department Criminal Bureau. He proudly joins Chief Michael Begonis and Deputy Chief Robert Richter as a graduate of this prestigious program. The entire Wilmington Police Department congratulates him on this accomplishment.