NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 9, 2023

Lieutenant Ryan Sheehan Graduates from FBI National Academy

Phoenixville, Pennsylvania - On June 9, 2023, Chief U. Mark Freeman announced that Lieutenant Ryan Sheehan has graduated as a member of the 286th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on June 8^th, 2023.  Ryan Sheehan 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.

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 286th session consisted of two hundred and thirty-eight law enforcement officers from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 25 countries, five military organizations, and six federal civilian organizations.

"The FBI National Academy is by far the most prestigious law enforcement executive leadership training in the world.  Lieutenant Sheehan is a tremendous asset to our agency and community.  The Board of Supervisors, Township Manager, and I could not be more proud of Lieutenant Sheehan's selection to the National Academy and his graduation. " – Chief U. Mark Freeman.

Ryan Sheehan began his career with the Upper Providence Township Police Department in October of 2011.  He has served in many roles within the agency, including as a Firearms Instructor, a Field Training Officer, and as as an Operator for the Chester-Montgomery Emergency Response Team, now called the Montgomery County SWAT-West team.  Ryan was promoted to the rank of Patrol Sergeant in 2017 and soon assumed the role of Coordinator of the Field Training Program.  He was promoted to Lieutenant in June of 2021.

Ryan earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from the West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2009.  In 2019, Ryan began pursuing a Master's Degree at Arizona State University as part of their online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Program.  He graduated with his Master's Degree in the fall of 2020 with a 4.0 GPA.  Ryan is also a FBI-LEEDA Trilogy award recipient.

About the Upper Providence Township Police Department

The Upper Providence Township Police Department covers 18.17 square miles of area in one of the fastest developing communities within Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.  Covering Oaks, Mont Clare, and portions of Collegeville, Phoenixville, and Royersford, the police department provides 24/7 police services to the township and is dedicated to the health, safety and welfare of all residents and visitors to the community.  Staffed by police personnel who have a strong commitment to public safety, the officers of UPPD realize that crime prevention is just as important as criminal apprehension so that our residents and guests do not become victims of crime.  UPPD is accredited by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.

About the FBI National Academy

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 54,366 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.