Local Law Enforcement Officer Graduates from FBI National Academy
On December 12, 2023, Chief Brian Vorauer announced that Derek Seelig had graduated as a member of the 288th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on December 7th, 2023. Derek Seelig is the second officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.
The FBI National Academy
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten 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.
The 288th session consisted of one hundred and ninety-eight law enforcement officers who graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 288th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 45 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations, and six federal civilian organizations.
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 54,763 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.
About Derek Seelig
The completion of the FBI National Academy is a testament to the dedication Lieutenant Derek Seelig has to his profession and to our community,” Fredericksburg Police Chief Brian Vorauer stated. “The advanced training and concepts Lieutenant Seelig learned will benefit our residents and the department as we continue to improve life within our community through our commitment to community policing.
Lieutenant Derek Seelig joined the Fredericksburg Police Department in 2009 as a Patrol Officer. Derek served the city and the police department as a Patrol Officer and a Field Training Officer until he was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 2014. Derek served as a Patrol Sergeant for the next 6 years supervising a patrol shift while taking on additional duties and responsibilities as a Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, and Less-Than-Lethal Instructor.
In 2020 Derek took the position of Training Coordinator. In this role, Derek continued to train and instruct on many mandatory department topics and oversee T.C.O.L.E. records and the field training program. Derek also developed and managed department budgets, was involved in recruitment and hiring, evidence room processing, department accreditation, grant writing, and created personalized career development plans for each patrol officer.
In June of 2022, Derek was promoted to Patrol Lieutenant and currently supervises 5 Patrol Sergeants and 23 Patrol Officers.
The Fredericksburg Police Department is proud of Lieutenant Seelig’s accomplishments.