FH Police Lieutenant to Train with FBI

One of Fair Haven's top men in blue is heeding a high honor call to train with the FBI.

Lt. Joe McGovern, who has been with the Fair Haven Police Department for a long time and is its second in command, is heading out to the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, in July to participate in what is referred to as the trifecta of law enforcement training.

"It's a very prestigious appointment that is not open to all municipalities," Administrator Theresa Casagrande said at Monday's Borough Council meeting.

At the academy, Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge said, McGovern will go through intense physical and educational (investigative and management) training, "taught mostly by FBI agents and professionals from (nearby) University of Virginia."

The federally-funded program lasts 10 weeks and McGovern, Breckenridge said, will earn 16 credits upon completion. The campus is located on a 547-acre Marine base near Washington D.C.

Most who attend the academy are the most highly experienced and recommended officers from across the nation.

While the honor is great, Breckenridge said that his goal is also to prepare McGovern as best as possible to "make sure he is trained take my spot should I fall or have a heart attack or a sudden emergency arises that takes me away from the job."

Breckenridge attended the academy in 2008.

"I think he's up for the challenge," he said of McGovern. "About 250 people are attending and he'll be making some great contacts. It's very serious. He'll be going through the Yellow Brick Road training — a six-mile Marine obstacle course climbing ropes, going through barbed wire and quick sand ... It's a great thing for Fair Haven and for Joe's career."

The only expense Fair Haven will need to contribute is for lodging, he added. McGovern will also be paid his salary while away.