DRACUT — Lt. Jon Gosselin, a Dracut native who is following in his father’s footsteps as a cop, became the first person from Dracut Police to graduate from the prestigious FBI National Academy last week.
On Thursday, Sept. 17, Lt. Gosselin was among 265 law enforcement officers from 44 states, 28 counties, five military organizations and four federal civilian agencies to graduate from the 299th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend, and on average, they have 21 years of law enforcement experience. Most graduates leave the academy and take on executive level leadership positions within their agencies.
Lt. Gosselin serves as Administrative Lieutenant.
The Gosselin family’s commitment to the Dracut Police Department dates back to 1987, when Marc Gosselin Sr. became a part-time officer, later rising to the rank of Lieutenant.
“I grew up watching my father wear the uniform, and I wanted to be just like him,” Lt. Gosselin said following his graduation. “I became a police officer to follow in my father’s footsteps. I wanted to try to make a positive impact on at least one person in my life.”
Lt. Gosselin graduated from Dracut High School, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Professional and Technical Writing, with a minor in Sociology, from the University of Hartford. He holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice – Crisis and Emergency Management from Lasell University.
He began his career in 2004, joining the Pelham, N.H., Police Department upon graduating from the New Hampshire Police Academy. In 2007, he graduated from a Massachusetts police academy and joined Dracut Police.
In 2010, he was named the Dracut Police Department’s Officer of the Year for proactively revamping and improving the department’s Field Training Program while serving as the program’s supervisor. Field training is what new officers undergo after they graduate from academies and first begin patrol. The program is the key way in which new officers are locally trained, tested, and prepared before being able to patrol on their own.
Lt. Gosselin wore his father’s badge a patrolman and continued the tradition following promotions to Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and then Administrative Lieutenant.
Lt. Gosselin lives in his hometown with his wife Caryn and children, Peyton and Ryan.
“I’m proud to serve my hometown,” said Lt. Gosselin. “My father taught me what a positive impact a police officer can have within a community, and I have spent my career working toward that goal and encouraging community involvement. I want to thank the Town of Dracut and Dracut Police for putting their faith in me.”
Training at the FBI National Academy serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad, and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge and cooperation worldwide. Classes are offered in a diverse set of areas, and officers participate in a wide range of leadership and specialized trainings. Officers share ideas, techniques, and experiences and create lifelong partnerships that transcend state and national borders.
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 all the National Academy courses offered.
In addition to classroom instruction, the FBI National Academy also focuses on physical fitness, with participants engaging in three workouts per week, leading up to a final physical fitness test known as the Yellow Brick Road. The Yellow Brick Road is a 6.1-mile running course that passes through hilly, wooded terrain, with obstacles built into the course. All graduates must complete the course.
“The Yellow Brick Road is legendary in law enforcement, and we are pleased to welcome Lt. Gosselin back to Dracut completely unscathed,” said Chief Peter Bartlett. “The FBI National Academy is rigorous, deeply respected, and a testament to the commitment of those who graduate. I congratulate Lt. Gosselin, and thank him for his family’s dedication to the community and this profession.”
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