DURANT, Okla. ― Captain Ben Veenstra of the Durant Police Department graduated on December 12, 2008, from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia.

Veenstra joined 256 other graduating law enforcement officers. The 235th Session of the National Academy consisted of men and woman from all fifty states. Included in the class were members of law enforcement agencies from local, county and state agencies, the District of Columbia, 26 international countries, four military organizations, and four federal organizations.

FBI Director Robert Mueller was the principal speaker at the ceremony.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 11 weeks of advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for select 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 in executive-level positions.

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.

Captain Veenstra joins Chief Durward Cook, a graduate of Session 188, Deputy Chief Greg Pollock, a graduate Session 213, and Captain David Houser, a graduate of the Session 223 as the only active members of the Department to have completed the National Academy Program. Retired Captain Charlie Stiefer graduated from Session 173.

Upon his return from the academy, Captain Veenstra will assume command of the Durant Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division.