It was tough being away from family and friends for 10 weeks.

But Lexington Police Lt. Matt Timmerman aced the FBI National Academy’s rigorous training.

Timmerman was excited to be selected for the training that requires completion of higher education courses, and a proven record as a professional.

He says he became interested in attending the academy 18 years ago. He applied as soon as he met the eligibility when he was promoted to the command staff 3 years ago.

“Since the state of South Carolina only sends 12 candidates a year, I was unsure of my chances,” he said.

The Special Agent in Charge of the Columbia FBI office makes the selections with advice from the board of the South Carolina chapter of the FBI National Academy Association.

“To be considered for selection, you must be the rank of lieutenant or higher, be of good moral character and have a good work history,” Lt. Timmerman said.

Applicants also must agree to stay in law enforcement 3 years after graduation.

“Once you are selected you must have an FBI background, interview with the Columbia FBI office and pass a physical fitness test.”

He was accepted to attend the April 2019 session but found that due to a last-minute opening he could start last July.

Timmerman says the courses were physically and mentally rigorous.

The Fitness in Law Enforcement course consisted of classroom education on nutrition and an hour of physical fitness training in each class.

“A final 6.2-mile challenge known as the ‘Yellow Brick Road’ included a 2.7-mile obstacle course and a 3.5-mile run. While attending the academy my section was able to reduce our mile time run an average of 1 minute.”

His favorite class was the seminar in Managing Law Enforcement.

“We learned about the use of social media and how to perform during interviews and press conferences.

“One instructor was a retired TV news reporter who worked in Washington DC for 30 years. The other instructor was a retired USMC public information officer.”

The officers got hands-on experience, performing one taped interview, one live interview and a group press conference.

Timmerman says it was tough to be away from his family, co-workers and friends for the 2 and a half months of training, but he was able to come home 2 weekends to spend time with his wife and daughters which made the separation more bearable.

He was able to make friends with other academy students, using off time to tour Washington, DC, travel to the Gettysburg Battlefield, Philadelphia and New York City.

“These new friendships helped make the time away from home bearable and helped build friendships for life.”

Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green said Timmerman’s commitment to the FBI National Academy and graduation Sept. 13 is significant.

“He is one of four officers within our agency’s command staff who have graduated this program and the objectives learned continue to make for a more professional department which ultimately benefits the Lexington community.”

Timmerman said, “The classes in leadership and communications will help me be a better manager and leader to the officers of the Lexington Police Department so we can give the citizens the services they deserve.”