Director's Corner

Message from the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers:

This Sunday marked the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment on August 18, 1920. This significant milestone granted women the right to vote, following decades of hard-fought struggle by many dedicated individuals.

Beginning in the mid-19th century, suffrage supporters faced immense challenges. They lectured, wrote, marched, lobbied, and practiced civil disobedience to secure what many considered a radical change to the Constitution. Though few early advocates lived to see the final victory, their efforts paved the way for this important change.

As we recognize this anniversary, let us remember and honor those who fought for this right. Their work reminds us to continue supporting the values of equality and democracy.
 

Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) Director Benjamine C. Huffman discusses the 104^th Anniversary of the passage of the 19^th Amendment, giving women the right to vote. He shares a part of history of the ratification and how one vote made a difference, Glynco, Georgia, Aug. 13, 2024. (FLETC Video by Michaela Garrison/Released)

Benjamine C. Huffman
Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Message from the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers:

Throughout my 38-year career in law enforcement, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication, bravery, and resilience of women serving in our ranks. From the U.S. Border Patrol to nationwide agencies, women, like retired Chief Lynn Underdown and Chief Carla Provost, excelled and rose through the ranks with unmatched skill and professionalism. Their journey from talented field training agents to retiring as Chiefs exemplifies the invaluable contributions women make to our profession.

It deeply concerns me to see undue criticism directed towards women in law enforcement today. This disrespect is unwarranted and regressive, reminiscent of a past era we have long surpassed. I have seen women fight, bleed, and pay the ultimate sacrifice alongside their male counterparts, displaying courage and commitment in the face of adversity.

Moreover, as a father to a female law enforcement agent and someone who served under outstanding female leaders, I hold the utmost respect for our female colleagues. Their grit, capabilities, leadership, and dedication to duty are indispensable assets to our teams and communities.

The undeserved negativity must stop. We must collectively reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity, respect, and support for all members of our law enforcement family, regardless of gender. Together, we will continue to uphold the values of justice, integrity, and service that define our profession.

Benjamine C. Huffman
Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Colleagues,

Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in our journey together. For 54 years, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, alongside our 127 valued partners, have been shaping America's law enforcement professionals since our establishment on July 1, 1970.  

FLETC has maintained a steadfast commitment to excellence in training. We take immense pride in our role as a cornerstone of law enforcement education, overcoming challenges and achieving milestones that define our collective success.

We extend our deepest gratitude to every member of our team, past and present. Your dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment have been pivotal to our achievements. Together, we have built a legacy grounded in integrity, professionalism, and service to our nation.

As we look to the future, we approach it with optimism and determination. The landscape of law enforcement evolves continuously, and our resolve to innovate and improve remains unyielding. With our shared values and unwavering dedication, we are confident in our ability to lead and inspire for years to come.

On this anniversary, let us reflect on our accomplishments, celebrate our resilience, and renew our pledge to uphold excellence. Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. Here's to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers and the promising future that lies ahead.
 

Viva FLETC!

Benjamine C. Huffman
Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Ariana M. Roddini
Acting Deputy Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Colleagues,

Recently, at Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) in Artesia, NM, myself, alongside of the U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens, proudly presented the prestigious FLETC Director’s Leadership Award to Border Patrol Agent Israel Castillo, Jr., a deserving student of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, Class 1237! 

According to Agent Castillo’s classmates, he puts others first, is team-oriented, and inspires goodwill and enthusiasm. He is truly loyal, helpful, respectful, thoughtful, and ethical. Selected by classmate’s award for exemplifying the highest standards and embodying the leadership characteristics of a federal law enforcement agent. 

The Director’s Leadership Award is a distinguished and long-standing FLETC award given to a student nominated and voted on by fellow classmates, based on the student in the class who best exemplifies a positive influence on others, serves as a role model, and is responsible for others and self. 

Viva FLETC,
Benjamine C. Huffman
Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Colleagues,

It has been a little more than 100 days since my arrival at FLETC. Since then, I have visited with FLETC staff and our trusted partners to listen and learn about FLETC operations. With each site visit and conversation with staff throughout the enterprise, I am impressed with the dedication and commitment to FLETC’s mission.

As the new year begins, I’d like to acknowledge FLETC's efforts this past year. FLETC and our trusted partners trained nearly 67,000 students in Fiscal Year 2023, 27% more than the previous year. Even more important than the volume of training, together with our partners and contract staff we prepared tens of thousands of law enforcement officers and agents to protect our communities and safeguard our property and institutions.

In 2024, it is my priority that FLETC continue to build upon past successes. In the coming weeks, we will issue our new strategic plan to ensure our entire team is moving in the same direction. I am committed to cultivating leadership development opportunities across the enterprise, to ensure our bench is deep with talented individuals ready to assume increased responsibility. I intend to capitalize on FLETC’s strengths and to streamline operations and processes where it makes sense, to ensure we can move at the speed of operations and be responsive to our partners’ training needs.  

I firmly believe the best way to meet our priorities is to take care of our workforce. To that end, many of my objectives in the coming year will center on increasing the wellness and resiliency of our workforce and ensuring they have the support needed to perform their important work.

On behalf of FLETC’s senior leadership team, I look forward to collaborating this year with FLETC staff and trusted partners to prepare the law enforcement community to safeguard America. It is an honor to serve with this team in accomplishing such a vital mission.  
 
Viva FLETC,
Benjamine C. Huffman
Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Season’s Greetings!

As the end of the year approaches, this is the perfect opportunity to reflect on our shared successes at FLETC and within our trusted partner organizations.  I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone for your daily efforts as you are a vital part of that success.  Thank you for your tireless work and dedication throughout this year and I look forward to continuing our work together in 2024.
 
Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year!
 
Viva FLETC,
Benjamine C. Huffman
Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

FLETC Colleagues,

Please join us in congratulating FLETC Chief Counsel Bryan Lemons on receiving the Meritorious Senior Executive Service (SES) Presidential Rank Award.  The Office of Personnel Management recently announced President Biden’s selection of the 2023 awardees for this prestigious honor, which recognizes a select group of career SES members with a sustained record of exceptional leadership, accomplishments, and service.

“For 22 years, Chief Counsel Lemons has served in multiple leadership positions across the FLETC enterprise,” said FLETC Director Benjamine Huffman. “During that time, Mr. Lemons has exemplified the highest quality of leadership, professional integrity, executive management, and commitment to the highest ideals of public service. Congratulations, Chief Counsel Lemons; it is an extraordinary honor working with you.”

Mr. Lemons received the award as the FLETC Assistant Director (AD) of the Mission Readiness and Support Directorate. While AD, Lemons oversaw the award of more than 7,100 contracts with a value exceeding $866 million, including nearly $70 million for two new dormitories, approximately $43.5 million for new tactical training venues, and over $14 million for new classrooms and office spaces. He led FLETC's Facilities and Services Team, part of the training reconstitution efforts in response to COVID-19, resulting in the successful training of more than 55,000 law enforcement officers and agents during the pandemic. Furthermore, he established FLETC's Training Venue Liaison position and subsequent team positions dedicated to holistically managing and completing training venue projects to maintain the resiliency and functionality of FLETC's training venues through continued training growth, resulting in approximately $4 million in cost avoidance in the first year and $12 million since its inception.

“I am tremendously honored to receive one of the most prestigious awards in the career civil service,” said Chief Counsel Lemons. “This award truly belongs to all personnel in the Mission Readiness and Support Directorate. I was humbled to serve as their Assistant Director, and this award recognizes all their hard work and efforts.”

Congratulations to Chief Counsel Bryan Lemons!

Benjamine C. Huffman              Kai J. Munshi
Director                                            Deputy Director

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside so many talented men and women as the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers – the world’s premier law enforcement training institution. I will lead with the same integrity my good friend Tom Walters has led FLETC with for the past six years,”

Benjamine C. Huffman

FLETC Director

“As they say, all good things must come to an end. It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the American people for over four decades,” said Director Walters. “Serving as FLETC’s sixth Director has been one of the highlights of my career. I am extremely proud of the team. Not even a global pandemic could stop the tenacity and dedication of FLETC’s staff and partner organizations. FLETC is the only institution in the U.S. with the capability and capacity to train the new federal officers and agents its 125 partner agencies need to replace the thousands of officers that leave federal service in a typical year. Director Huffman and I have known each other for a long time. I assure you that FLETC will be in good hands.”

Respectfully,
 
Thomas J. Walters                  Kai J. Munshi
Director                                  Deputy Director

Following Hurricane Idalia, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) personnel located at Glynco, GA, and Charleston, SC are implementing recovery efforts.  FLETC’s Re-Entry Damage Assessment teams are inspecting facilities and grounds to ensure a safe return. Repairs for minimally damaged structures will be completed prior to the resumption of training.

“The FLETC team did an outstanding job preparing for the impact of Hurricane Idalia. Thanks to all FLETC staff, Partner Organization colleagues, students, and the emergency service community for their cooperation and hard work leading up to and following the storm,” said FLETC Director Thomas J. Walters. “We are especially grateful to FLETC staff and security contractors who remained on-Center throughout the storm. While the storm passed with minimal structural damage to the FLETC Glynco and Charleston facilities, our hearts go out to any staff and community members who may have been negatively impacted.”

Training at FLETC-Glynco will resume on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, and training at FLETC-Charleston will resume on Friday, September 1, 2023.

Respectfully,
 
Thomas J. Walters                  Kai J. Munshi
Director                                  Deputy Director

Join us in celebrating 53 years of being the Nation’s largest provider of law enforcement training!

“A little-known fact is that the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers partners with 124 different federal agencies” said FLETC Director Thomas J. Walters. “During our BC years – that’s before COVID - we trained more than 67,000 students in one year.  The pandemic hampered our efforts, however, it did not stop us thanks to the tenacity and flexibility of the FLETC family. As we celebrate our 53-year anniversary, we are well on our way to our previous record high.  Last year, FLETC and its partners trained over 52,000 students. We are grateful for the strategic partnerships that keep America’s people, property, and institutions safe.”

FLETC is proud of what it has accomplished so far, and we look forward to many more years of providing outstanding #LawEnforcement training to federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, campus, and international law enforcement officers!#WeAreDHS

Respectfully,
 
Thomas J. Walters                  Kai J. Munshi
Director                                  Deputy Director

Colleagues,

The last Monday of May is dedicated to pausing and honoring the memories of the courageous members of the U.S. military who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our cherished way of life. We reflect upon each of their memories with a debt of gratitude for their unwavering dedication and immeasurable bravery.

Our brothers and sisters in the armed forces swore an oath that begins with the words, “I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” We must vow to never forget those who gave their last full measure after taking this oath.

Respectfully,

 
Thomas J. Walters                  Kai J. Munshi
Director                                  Deputy Director

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

Colleagues,

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) celebrates its 20th anniversary. On this day 20 years ago, DHS was established to secure our nation and protect its people from future attacks. After the atrocious attacks of September 11, 2001, it was clear that the United States needed a new federal agency focused solely on protecting the homeland.

“History has taught us that one thing is constant - as Americans living in the US and abroad, we are a symbol to our enemies who wish to do us harm,” said FLETC Director Thomas J. Walters. “9/11 was a generation ago. DHS was born from the ashes of bravery and self-sacrificing heroism. The misdeeds of our enemy made us stronger, more determined, and unified as a nation. We must not forget the fallen, and we must never forget what we have learned in times of conflict – it is dangerous to ignore our known and unknown enemies. At FLETC, we are thankful for, and proud of, our strong partnerships with 123 federal agencies through which FLETC develops and delivers cutting-edge training to help prepare our nation's law enforcement to face that enemy for generations to come.”

We have done so much at FLETC since we left the Department of Treasury and became part of DHS 20 years ago. Last week I shared our many accomplishments over the past 20 years with the Department to assist with the DHS anniversary celebration. Please take a moment to read them and reflect on our collective successes.

We are proud of FLETC and how far we’ve come, and you should be too. It is our honor and privilege to serve alongside you.
 

FLETC’s Historical Timeline for the 20th Anniversary of DHS

• March 2003, FLETC completed the construction of a Mock Port of Entry Complex at FLETC-Glynco, where CBP, ICE, and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service could engage in realistic training scenarios using primary and secondary inspection points for pedestrian and vehicular traffic with license plate readers and radiation monitors.
• April 2003, FLETC expanded its stakeholder base to 76 partner organizations.
• December 1, 2003, FLETC expanded its training capacity after the creation of DHS, adding a new training site in Cheltenham, MD to meet our partners’ evolving missions.
• October 1, 2004, FLETC expanded its training capacity after the creation of DHS, adding a new training site in Charleston, SC to meet our partners’ evolving missions.
• November 2006, FLETC opened a new 40,000-square-foot Simulation Laboratory in Glynco that provides students with a unique venue for tabletop and computer-based simulation exercises.
• March 2008, FLETC completed the Practical Application Counterterrorism Operations Training Facility, which consists of a hotel, tactical area, and courtroom/detention center.
• May 2009, FLETC opened the Technical Operations Training Facility, where trainees work with sophisticated surveillance, tracking, and photography equipment.
• September 2011, FLETC dedicated the Intermodal Training Facility, which includes a subway system, train station, international airport, and bus terminal complete with ticket counters, food court, and waiting areas, where frontline law enforcement personnel experience scenario-based training to better deter and combat threats across major transportation modes.
• March 2013, FLETC opened Danis City, a 35+ acre Urban/Suburban Training Facility that features replicas of commercial and residential training environments such as a café, pawn shop, police station, tavern, storage facility, mobile home park, apartments, medical facilities, and government offices.
• March 2013, FLETC opened the Forensic Science Training Complex, a 40,000 square foot facility that features 9 specialized classrooms, 3 forensic laboratories, a 4-bay garage, 14 crime scene modules, 16 staff offices, and a forensic library.
• July 2016, FLETC opened Building 912 in Glynco, a multipurpose conference facility where FLETC can hold training, summits, conferences, graduations, town halls, and other special gatherings. The building number symbolizes all that has happened in our Nation following the terrorist attacks of September 11, and its features tell the story of FLETC’s evolution.
• October 2020, FLETC continues its 20-year expansion, creation, and delivery of many specialized training programs such as tactical medical training, active shooter response, human trafficking awareness, use of force, and terrorism prevention training.
• December 31, 2022, FLETC has trained over one million federal, state, local, territorial, tribal, and international law enforcement officers in support of FLETC’s mission to safeguard America’s people, property, and institutions.
• January of 2023, FLETC reaches a new record of 123 partner organizations.
• April 2023, FLETC will complete new dormitories at the Artesia and Glynco Training Delivery Points.

Thomas J. Walters                  Kai J Munshi
Director                                  Deputy Director

Colleagues,

At Thanksgiving, we reflect on what we are thankful for both in our personal and work lives. We would like to give thanks and recognize those who have done so much throughout the year. Thank you to our students, who are preparing for careers in service to the public and our nation. Thank you to our Partner Organizations who trust our stewardship of their most important resource – their future officers and agents. And thank you to our staff for the work you do day in and day out to accomplish our mission.
 
Whether you acknowledge the season in large gatherings or reflect in privacy, our message to you is one of gratitude. We are thankful for all you have accomplished and grateful for each member of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers community.
 
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

Thomas J. Walters                  Kai J Munshi
Director                                  Deputy Director

Colleagues,

“This We’ll Defend”— “Semper Fortis” — “Semper Fidelis” —  “Semper Paratus” — “Aim High” and “Semper Supra”

Serving in any of the six branches of the United States military has given veterans of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) the opportunity to defend the rights and freedoms of the homeland of the United States, including America’s interests abroad.

As you know, Veterans Day is always recognized on November 11, regardless of where a person is in the world. And no matter where you are or what you are doing, we want to take a moment to thank the FLETC Veteran population for their service.

Our FLETC veterans continue to protect the homeland by serving the FLETC enterprise. With knowledge you gained in specialties such as medicine, infantry, armor, loadmasters, piloting, military police, journalism, law, administration, and more, you continue to protect the country with your learned skills as we train law enforcement across the world.

We salute you all!

Whether you are standing with your student on the range in Artesia, New Mexico, discussing a plan of action with a co-worker in Charleston, South Carolina, planning for the arrival of electric cars in Cheltenham, Maryland, or standing at the gate greeting the newest students for training at Glynco, Georgia, we salute you.

And though you will hear it time and again, we do not say these words lightly, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
 

Thomas J. Walters                  Kai J Munshi
Director                                  Deputy Director

Where were you, and what did you do?

As we resume normal operations at Glynco and Charleston post-Hurricane Ian, I want to take a moment to thank our community of employees, partner organizations, and students for their cooperation and hard work leading up to and following the storm.  Your efforts during these times of natural disasters embody resilience and teamwork.

I commend FLETC’s leaders and the leadership of our 119 Partner Organizations. Together, our collective staff answered the call and went above and beyond.  The FLETC team did an outstanding job monitoring the storm, internally and externally briefing, communicating updates, protecting people, safeguarding property, and reconstituting training as quickly as possible. Our POs implemented their evacuation and reconstitution plans with great precision and coordination.   

Your quick response and dedication to keeping everyone safe and secure in the face of a potential natural disaster is commendable and made it possible to restart training promptly.  Thank you for all you continue to do to further the FLETC mission.

Where were you, and what did you do?

When the planes struck the towers, and the Pentagon, and the fields near Shanksville Pennsylvania, Director Walters was 50 years old. As Chief of the Border Patrol Academy, he was moments away from delivering remarks to a Border Patrol class graduating from the Border Patrol Academy in Charleston, South Carolina. He watched the events unfold on television.

On that same day, a good ways North of South Carolina, Acting Deputy Director Rick Deasy was one of a dozen or so Immigration and Naturalization Service Special Agents putting rounds down-range during quarterly firearms training at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. His first clue of the events was the tide of unnatural quiet that rolled in as the skies emptied of planes.

By the end of that day, Walters, Deasy, and every law enforcement officer, and every other citizen of the United States, was focused on reacting in some way to those events. And for every law enforcement officer, the quality of their training and experience determined how effective their response could be.

There are many lessons to be learned from the way our adversaries betrayed America’s openness and trust on September 11, 2001. Those events also imposed certain responsibilities on all members of the greater Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers community. First, it is our responsibility to prepare our students well. That responsibility includes reminding our students that as law enforcement officers, no one is better placed than they to encounter traces of a developing threat, and to note, to record, to assess, to share and to synthesize that information.

Photo: FLETC Senior Instructor Chris Stewart provides an evidence collection lecture to students from a Uniform Police Training Program at the FLETC-Glynco Training Delivery Point. (FLETC OPA)

Annual FLETC Graduate Memorial Ceremony Held