LDWF Capt. John Volentine (left) and FBI Director Kash Patel (right)
A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agent graduated from the 297th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on March 18.
LDWF Capt. John Volentine was part of a 253 member graduating class of the FBI National Academy, which included law enforcement officers from 48 states and the District of Columbia, 24 countries, four military organizations and four federal civilian organizations. Capt. Volentine joins Lt. Col. Clay Marques as the second LDWF enforcement agent to graduate from this FBI academy.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
Capt. Volentine, of Cheneyville, began his career with the LDWF Enforcement Division in 2005. He is the captain in charge of the patrol agents in Sabine, Natchitoches, Vernon, Winn, Grant, Rapides, LaSalle, Catahoula, Avoyelles and Concordia parishes.
Capt. Volentine received the Governor’s Team Award for his response during Hurricane Katrina and was also active in search and rescue operations for hurricanes Rita, Gustav, Ike, and Harvey. Capt. Volentine was also awarded with the Waterfowl Officer of the Year Award in 2013 and 2014.
Capt. Volentine earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from Louisiana State University (LSU), a Master’s Degree from Northwestern State University in Homeland Security and is currently working on another Master’s Degree from the University of Virginia in Public Safety. He also serves as an Adjunct Instructor for LSU of Alexandria teaching Criminal Justice courses.
FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher Raia delivered remarks at the FBI graduating ceremony. Class spokesperson Cody Mills from the United States Marine Corps Investigation Division, Quantico, VA, represented the graduating officers.
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 all the National Academy courses offered.
A total of 56,941 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.