Author: CongaltonFBINA275

We started off the day today with a physical fitness challenge as a class. We ran 2.7 miles outside in a brisk 34 degree weather. I finished the run, rode 10 miles and rowed 2100 meters.

Tonight we are going to Washington DC to visit the law enforcement peace officer memorial. The whole class is going to shuttle up there in 5 buses. It will be a quick trip but will give us all an opportunity to pay tribute to the officers killed in the line of duty.

This will be our transportation tonight. A very nice bus line.

There’s nothing better than a code 3 police escort to Washington DC with cops on Harley Davidsons.

The ceremony at the memorial was very moving. Colors were presented, followed by the singing of the national anthem by Alex, from Romania. The first international student to sing the anthem. This was followed by a role call of fallen officers by the students of FBINA class 275.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh0V1p06OOU&feature=share

I had the honor of reading off the names of Pomona Police Officers; Daniel Fraembs, Shaun Diamond and Greggory Casillas. As we stood at the memorial and listened to the bagpipes, I couldn’t help but think about the 9 officers that have been killed in 2019, since I started the academy. Their names will be added to the 21,541 names already on the wall.

Woke up to another cold morning. Good thing there is no physical training today. Started off with a couple good classes today. We discussed employee wellness and leadership crises. I learned an interesting statistic today, that was applicable to both classes; for the last three years officer suicide has exceeded the number of officers killed in the line of duty. Definitely something that should be considered by everyone in the profession.

After class Martin, Bill and I went to get a haircut. The word is Kim’s is the best haircut in town, so we had to check it out. We arrived and were greeted with open arms. Haircut, straight razor shave, hot towel, and back massage all included for $13. Great people, great haircut.

We have today off for the Martin Lutheran King holiday. A few of us are heading down to Monticello to take a look at Thomas Jefferson’s place. We walked outside prepared for the cold, so I thought. Man I about died. It’s not normal to wear a beanie and gloves in the car.

We made it to Monticello. What a beautiful piece of property, rich in history.

Bill (Arkansas), Dave (Nevada), Chonman (CA), Martin (Las Vegas), and me.

I decided to sleep in this morning. Stayed up late last night reviewing the results of my EQ test from my emotional intelligence class. That’s the first time I have taken a test like this. Very insightful.

I think today will be a lazy day since it is cold and windy, the academy is quiet from most people leaving and championship football is on. I managed to write a paper this morning before lunch. I have been trying to write a little everyday. I have about 8 papers to complete and they range from 3 pages to 10 pages.

Went to the gym and rode 25 miles on the bike. I only have 189 miles to go to complete my goal of 275. I sure wish the seats were a little more comfortable. With the workout out of the way I’m now gonna watch some football.

I got up this morning and went to breakfast only to find that they decided to close early, with no warning. There myself and several others stared through the window and the closed gate. We could see the coffee and all the food with no way to get in. Joris (Belgium ) was able to talk an employee into giving us a coffee cup so we could make some cereal.

Me, Martin (Las Vegas), Leonie (Australia) and Joris (Belgium) making the most of a coffee cup, spoon and cereal.

We took an afternoon trip down to Mt. Vernon today. Very impressive. It was amazing to see George Washington’s home and property. The tour and museum was very well done.

After Mt. Vernon we stopped by the Marine Corps War Memorial. What a great tribute to the Marine Corps.

Well it’s Friday off week two and the fitness instructors did not disappoint. I sure didn’t feel like getting out of bed but once I did, they got the blood flowing. Courtney always does a great job of setting up something challenging. Four days of PT this week. I’m looking forward to the 3 day weekend.

Class 275 section 2 after our workout.

Had the chance to visit the HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) unit here on the base. It was an awesome training facility that many of us were envious of. Air support, indoor tactical shoot house, sniper ranges, rappel wall, short ranges and many of their other assets.

The memorial in the bottom left photo is a memorial made to acknowledge K9s that have been killed in the line of duty.

Started off the morning with my Navigating Leadership Crises class. We had a surprise field trip and went to Hogan’s alley. Hogan’s alley is a whole town that’s strictly used for training. Each of us had the opportunity to run through a live scenario where we encountered an armed aggressor that forced us to tactically address the threat. Hogan’s alley is definitely a great training aid for law enforcement. I’m glad I had the opportunity to experience it briefly.

Was walking back from class yesterday and went by the academy store where I saw this Yeti coffee cup staring at me. I decided to stop in and make the impulsive purchase. The good thing is, my coffee no longer gets cold.

After lunch we listened to a great lecture from Aaron Likens, author of Finding Kansas. He is a well known speaker that was diagnosed with Aspergers at the age of 20. He offered great insight, for law enforcement, on Autism and Aspergers. Very valuable to the profession.

Finished up the day in my wellness class discussing Spirituality v. Religion in law enforcement. Interesting discussion and glad to see that we can still have these kind of meaningful higher level discussions.

Hit the gym before dinner and was able to knock out 15 miles on the bike and 2100 meters on the rower. Only 250 miles left to finish the challenge. Dinner was good tonight. Had some salmon with rice and potato soup. I might have had a Rice Krispies treat too.

Headed into town tonight and the wet snow has started to fall again tonight.

Had a relaxing night out with some great guys from New Jersey, Kansas City, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania. It’s really cool to talk with other managers from around the country.

So we had our first fitness challenge today. Every Wednesday the whole class gets together and participates in a new fitness challenge. I don’t want to say the fitness instructors are evil but they do seem to enjoy our agony. I look forward to the future fitness challenges.

After lunch we had our class photos and yearbook pictures. The photos were taken by sections. There are 5 sections and my sections is group 2. Everyone was dressed up for the occasion. We took advantage of the opportunity to grab some nice photos.

FBINA section 2 roommates!

Imer Chavez (LAX) and I.

Tonight, after dinner, we had a patch and challenge coin trading event. There was a great turnout and I was able to collect quite a few patches and coins. It was very cool to see all the different agencies represented and see all the different patches. Below are some photos of the event and my swag. I know what you are thinking, what a beautiful comforter!! Don’t be jealous but that’s what I sleep under every night.

Woke up early this morning having physical training first thing. I’m not a fan of early PT but sometimes it works out that way. The instructors are pretty good at getting your heart rate up, and keeping it up. I have PT four times this week so it will be a long week. I am enjoying it though. my roommate Dave is below showing off his side plank form.

Went to lunch today and for some reason the dessert section called my name a little more today. Normally I’m not attracted to this section as much. But in the end, I went with the Rice Krispies treat. They do a great job feeding us here.

I finished off the night with 2100 meters of rowing sprints. My suite partner, Martin, talked me into it. Tough workout. If that wasn’t bad enough, he talked me into shooting for the black brick, in addition to the red brick and yellow brick. So tonight I began my endeavor to ride 275 miles. I got 10 miles in tonight, so only 265 miles left. 🚴‍♀️💨

Woke up this morning to find out that all of our classes were canceled due to the snow. The base was closed due to the storm. Guess that means breakfast, gym and school work for me today. I am hoping to knock out my 5 page paper for emotional intelligence today.

After breakfast, I made it down to the cardio room for some more rowing. I was able to knock another 4,600 meters off the challenge. Now I only have 38, 246 meters to go. I am finding some enjoyment in rowing. I have never really had the opportunity to do this type of exercise.

I sat with one of the FBI counselors for breakfast and he filled me in on a great place to get work done. I took his advice and found the Lincoln room, which was nice and quiet. Great place to read and write. The view is not bad either.

After a long day hitting the books we decided to go out for sushi and a little bowling with the class. It’s is still cold out but my bowling was on fire. 🔥🔥

Me and the boys. Left to right, there’s Harold (Texas), Josh, Me, Bill (All LA), Tjorvi (Iceland), and Dave (Michigan)