During Fiscal Year 2020, nearly 37,149 law enforcement officers and agents graduated from basic and advanced training programs at FLETC. Of that number, 14,124 who graduated from basic training programs, were eligible for FLETC’s Honor Graduate of the Year Award.
During Fiscal Year 2019, nearly 60,192 law enforcement officers and agents graduated from basic and advanced training programs at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC). Of that number, 21,243 who graduated from basic training programs, were eligible for FLETC’s Honor Graduate of the Year Award.
Each year FLETC grants this award to the basic training graduate, from eligible programs, based upon three composites: highest academic average; high levels of proficiency in firearms; and surpassing physical fitness.
FLETC will continue the tradition of adding the Honor Graduate’s names to the display located in the Coverdell Classroom Building.
Fiscal Year 2020 and 2021 Honor Graduates
Ranger Sean Nelb, 2019 FLETC Honor Graduate (LEFT) and Ranger Dillon O’Brien, 2020 FLETC Honor Graduate (RIGHT) display their honor graduate award certificates after receiving during the ceremony held November 30, 2021, at FLETC. (Photo by Brandon Spragins, FLETC/OPA)
Previous Year Awardees
| 2018 | Karen Brown | U.S. National Security Agency |
| 2017 | Shawn Mayer | U.S. National Security Agency |
| 2016 | Jermemy M. Miles | U.S. Diplomatic Security Service |
| 2015 | Andrew M. Baker | U.S. Secret Service |
| 2014 | Jacob Banda | U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations |
| 2013 | Michael R. Bransford | U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency |
| 2012 | Jesse M. Lindgren | U.S. Marshals Service |
| 2011 | Anthony M. Loring | U.S. Central Intelligence Agency |
| 2010 | Eric M. Heiple | U.S. Secret Service |
| 2009 | Eric S. Wadsworth | Federal Emergency Management Agency OS |
| 2008 | John M. Carpenter | U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations |
| 2007 | Georg A. Wagner | U.S. Secret Service |
| 2006 | Shane L. Dixon | U.S. Diplomatic Security Service |
| 2005 | Victoria M. Anzaldua | U.S. Diplomatic Security Service |
| 2004 | Daniel S. Rothman | U.S. Customs and Border Protection |
| 2003 | Edward J. Visnovske | U.S. National Park Services |
| 2002 | Andrew B. Clapp | U.S. Coast Guard |
| 2001 | Derek J. Velasco | U.S. Central Intelligence Agency |
| 2000 | James J. Cancannon | U.S. Secret Service |
| 1999 | Philippe G. Furstenberg | U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Diplomatic Security |
| 1998 | Terry J. Pfeifer | U.S. General Service Administration-Office of Inspector General |
| 1997 | Demetrius Metz | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services |
| 1996 | Todd E. Schumacher | U.S. Secret Service -Uniform Division |
| 1995 | Dean P. Eisberg | U.S. Customs Service |
| 1994 | John A. Carper | U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General |
| 1993 | Robert G. MacQueen | U.S. Secret Service |
| 1992 | Jay D. Duckens | U.S. Customs Service |
| 1991 | Domenic E. Colameta | U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General |
| 1990 | Richard L. Burton | U.S. Capitol Police |
How to become the next Honor Graduate of the Year:
- Be enrolled in one of FLETC's basic programs
- Achieve highest academic average
- Achieve high levels of proficiency in firearms
- Achieve highest physical fitness standards
In Memoriam Aubrey A. "Tex" Gunnels
April 20, 1918 - September 24, 2011
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Honor Graduate of the Year award momento (a handgun) is made possible through a gift from Aubrey A. “Tex” Gunnels, former Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee. At Mr. Gunnels’ request, this award is dedicated to the memory of all FLETC graduates who have died in the line of duty. The FLETC is most grateful to the Gunnels Family Trust for continuing Tex’s legacy by providing the funds for the annual award.