GLYNCO, GEORGIA- The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) is proud to announce that the 2015 Honor Graduate of the Year is United States Secret Service (USSS) Special Agent Andrew Baker, assigned to the Service’s Washington Field Office.
Special Agent Baker grew up in a small town in western New York. Nearing the end of his college career, he decided that he wanted to be a federal agent. After much research, he knew that he wanted to join the Secret Service, and focused his sights on achieving that goal. He began his career in 2008 with the Secret Service Uniformed Division, and he completed assignments as a member at the White House Branch and the agency’s elite Counter Sniper Team. In 2015, he was selected to attend FLETC’s Criminal Investigation Training Program to begin his dream of becoming a special agent.
“My first trip through FLETC and the Secret Service’s Rowley Training Center showed me how hard I needed to work in regards to physical fitness, academics, marksmanship, and most importantly - teamwork,” said Baker. “I am humbled and honored that I was selected as the 2015 Honor Graduate of the Year. Truly, this award is a testament to the hard work and sacrifice that classmates and I put forth.”
The FLETC award is presented to the honor graduate with the highest academic average overall. During Fiscal Year 2015, more than 65,000 law enforcement officers and agents graduated from a basic or advanced training program at FLETC. Of that number, 2,150 graduated from one of the eligible FLETC basic programs. A very limited number of students qualify as Distinguished Graduates, and this designation is based upon their scores on written examinations, firearms qualification, and a battery of physical efficiency tests.
FLETC Director Connie Patrick stated, “FLETC is honored to recognize Special Agent Baker for his tremendous work ethic and accomplishments while at FLETC. He has excelled in a rigorous training program, and we commend his dedication to the law enforcement profession.”
“Each year, men and women from all over the country come to training to prepare themselves for service to this nation,” said Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy. “We thank FLETC for the critically important role they play in this preparation process. The entire Secret Service family is proud of Special Agent Baker for his achievements.”
Special Agent Baker graduated in October 2015 with an academic score of 97.72 out of 100, physical efficiency average of 96.00 out of 100, and firearms score of 296 out of a possible 300. He is the 26th student to receive this honor since 1990