By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

HAHNVILLE – An 18-year veteran of the St. Charles Sheriff’s Office was among a group of law enforcement officers nationwide who recently graduated from the FBI National Academy.

Capt. Kenneth DeCorte, assistant warden at the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center, was one of 246 officers to complete the 249th session of the National Academy, held last month at the FBI training base in Quantico, Va. The session consisted of men and women from across the country, as well as 24 international students from other countries.

The National Academy Program offers 10 weeks of advanced investigative, management and fitness training for selected officers who have a proven record as professionals within their agencies. The program is internationally known for its academic excellence.

Training for the program is provided by FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members with advanced degrees. Many of the instructors are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.