Deputy Graduates from FBI Academy

Clay County Sheriff’s Office Major Phil Coffer was one of 238 law enforcement officers who graduated last week from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.

The 286th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 47 states and the District of Columbia, as well as members of law enforcement agencies from 25 countries, five military organizations, and six federal civilian organizations. FBI Director Christopher Wray delivered remarks at the graduation ceremony on June 8 and presented Major Coffer with his diploma.

Major Coffer oversees the Bureau of Administration, which includes the Detention, Support Services and Emergency Management divisions. He joined the Sheriff’s Office as a deputy in 1996 and served as the agency’s first School Resource Deputy. He also supervised the Drug Task Force and Civil Processing Unit before becoming commander of the Community and Court Services Division. He was promoted to major in April.

The FBI National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits many of the courses offered. A total of 53,908 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story