Foxborough Police Lt. Noonan Graduates FBI National Academy

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Foxborough's police force just got a lot stronger, following Lt. Richard Noonan's graduation from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The academy is an invitation only program, where leaders in state, local, military, and international law enforcement are selected for 10 weeks of training.

Noonan was one of 256 law enforcement officials selected for this year's academy. he said it was an honor to be able to represent the Foxborough Police Department at the national level.

"To be able to attend such a distinguished training program and to learn from the best instructors is truly a privilege, Noonan told Patch. "I enjoyed my whole experience at the National Academy. Being involved in the classroom work, the physical training, and networking with my classmates was truly something special and something that I will never forget."

The National Academy is coordinated with the University of Virginia and offers both graduate and undergraduate courses as well as a focus on physical fitness. Noonan graduated from the FBI Academy on June 7, studying leadership and management. Physical fitness is also a huge focus for the academy, and Noonan made the Foxborough Police Department proud in that regard. Part of graduating required completing the "Yellow Brick Road," a 6.1-mile obstacle course.

Noonan's family and Police Chief William Baker came out for the ceremony, and got to see FBI Director Christoper Wray hand Noonan his diploma. The guest speaker for the graduation was U.S. Attorney General William Barr.

Noonan has since returned to work and said he is looking forward to implementing what he learned from law enforcement officials all around the world.

"During the academy, I was able to learn from police executives from all over the world," Noonan said. "My classmates worked in small rural police departments, national police forces, major metropolitan cities and everything in between. Regardless of the community size or its location, we all have the same responsibilities and mission to provide excellent police services to our communities."