A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agent graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginian on Dec. 12.
LDWF Major Clay Marques was a part of a 257 member graduating class of the FBI National Academy, which included law enforcement officers from 27 countries, eight military organizations and five federal civilian organizations.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 11 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.
Major Marques is originally from Chalmette and joined the LDWF Enforcement Division in 2006. Major Marques is currently in charge of the LDWF agents that primarily work in the coastal parishes of the state and serves as the state’s boating law administrator.
Major Marques graduated from the National Association of Boating Law Administrator’s (NASBLA) Leadership Academy in 2021 and he currently serves on the NASBLA Finance and Grant Committee. He also was recently appointed to the National Boating Safety Advisory Council.
FBI Director Christopher Wray delivered remarks at the FBI graduating ceremony. Class spokesperson Philip Hydron from the Arkansas State Police represented the graduating officers.
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.
A total of 55,797 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.