Lowell Police Capt. James Fay Graduates From Prestigious FBI National Academy

LOWELL — Capt. James Fay, the former commander of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT and RRT Teams, gang unit supervisor, and director of the Lowell Police Academy, graduated last week from the prestigious FBI National Academy. 

On Thursday, Sept. 17, Capt. Fay 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.

Capt. Fay grew up in a military family and split time between Germany and Fort Devens. 

He joined Lowell Police in 1998, and quickly rose through the ranks from patrolman to sergeant, lieutenant and captain. He is a former member of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, in addition to his service with NEMLEC, the Gang Unit, and the Lowell Police Academy. 

He currently serves as Lowell Police Department’s Officer In Charge of Operational Support. 

Capt. Fay holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from UMass Lowell. He also served for a total of 10 years with the U.S. Army, first in active duty and later in the National Guard. He achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class while serving a Paratrooper and Airborne Ranger. 

Here at home, Capt. Fay is supported by his wife, Katie, who is a teacher, and his children Natalie, who is a lawyer, Jimmy and Emily.

“I’m grateful to the Lowell Police Department for giving me the opportunity to work with and learn from police supervisors from around the country and world who are facing many of the same issues as police departments in Massachusetts,” said Capt. Fay. “I am also grateful to my family for their eternal support, and to all those who have helped me help others throughout my career.”

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. 

“Capt. Fay has served this department well for coming up on 30 years, and we are proud to see him represent us at the FBI National Academy,” said Superintendent Greg Hudon. “I congratulate Capt. Fay on completing the rigorous coursework and fitness tests, and for always representing the City of Lowell as highly skilled professional.”