Ames Police Sergeant of Detectives Craig Reid achieved one of his career goals: He made it through a competitive application process and was chosen for a program at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va.

Reid said he first applied for a position at the FBI Academy 10 years ago. Now, at 42, Reid will be the first Ames police officer to attend the FBI’s program in eight years.

“I am very excited. It’s going to be fun, and it’s going to be a challenge all at the same time,” Reid said.

From April 6 to June 20, Reid will take graduate level courses at the academy through the University of Virginia.

Reid said these classes will focus on law enforcement management and will help him assist other officers “do their job better.”

He also said the credits he earns will be applied to a master’s degree in public administration.

As the only representative from the state of Iowa attending the program, Reid said he is looking forward to meeting other officers from around the world.

Police Chief Dennis Ballantine, who nominated Reid for the position, described the application process as “tough to get through.”

He said Reid is a “high-quality individual” as well as an excellent officer who is exactly the type of individual the department looks to send to the academy.

Reid said he is grateful to Ballantine, Captain Mike Smith and Officer Jerry Spencer for their help and support in his pursuit of this goal.

He said they all played big roles in getting him a slot at the academy.

Reid said he had to pass a physical condition test, sign a commitment to remain in law enforcement three years after graduating from the program, meet educational background requirements and pass an FBI background check to get into the FBI Academy.

He also said he is appreciative Ballantine has allowed him time off for this “remarkable opportunity.”

Ballantine said the skills Reid picks up from the program will be an asset to him and the police department.

The FBI covers Reid’s tuition, room and board fees, and transportation costs to Quantico.

The City of Ames has already provided Reid with a lap-top computer that is required for one of his courses and will foot the bill for his uniforms.

Since receiving word of his acceptance in January, Reid said he has been working out to meet a program weight requirement and get in shape.

He said he is also familiarizing himself with his lap-top computer.

According to the FBI Web page, this program is one of five and is titled Specialized Training for other Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies and serves “to contribute to the enhancement of professionalism in American law enforcement.”

The FBI Web page can be accessed at www.fbi.gov/academy/fptp.htm.