Suffolk Police Lt. Gerald Brandsasse graduated from the FBI National Academy at Quantico on June 12.

The 237th Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from all states, the District of Columbia, 23 countries, four military organizations and five federal civilian organizations.

Brandsasse is the lieutenant of the Administrative Division of the Suffolk Police Department. He is married to Janet Brandsasse, who is also a lieutenant with the department. Brandsasse has one son, Kevin, who graduated from Lakeland High last week and will begin active duty with the U.S. Army in July.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 10 weeks of advanced investigative, management and fitness training for selected 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 to serve in executive-level positions. FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III was the principal speaker at the graduation ceremony.

Training for the program is provided by 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.

The graduating officers were represented by the class spokesperson, Fausto B. Pichardo who is a Lieutenant with the New Your City Police Department. A total of 42,709 graduates now represent the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935