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Statesboro DNR officer graduates from FBI Academy
Web Klingel
Capt. Scott Klingel

      Capt. Scott Klingel, who serves as the law enforcement region supervisor for south-central Georgia in the Department of Natural Resources, is the department's newest graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.
      Klingel was one of 257 law enforcement officers that graduated this spring, with diplomas awarded by FBI Director Robert Mueller. The 244th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 49 states. Included in the class are members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 20 countries, four military organizations and four federal agencies.
      Klingel is a native of Columbia County, Ga., and began his law enforcement career with the Columbia County Sheriff's Department in 1987. He has worked for DNR Law Enforcement since 1989. Klingel's previous assignment was as a Field Sergeant in Lincoln County, Ga.
      When promoted to region supervisor in 2002, Scott and his wife Stacey moved to Statesboro with their children Joshua, Reese, Justin and Kari. The Klingel family, along with mother Marcia, are active members of Gracewood Baptist Church in Statesboro.
      The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders that serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide.
Participation is by invitation only, through a nomination process.
      On average, the officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and often serve in executive level positions. Only about one percent of law enforcement officers get the opportunity to attend the National Academy.
Col. Eddie Henderson, head of the department's law enforcement section, called Klingel's achievement "an honor for the Department of Natural Resources."
      Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy, Special Agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees - many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.
      The first National Academy was held in 1935. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia. Klingel successfully earned 17 undergraduate hours while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.
      Conservation rangers with the DNR are state law enforcement officers who are commonly known as "game wardens." They are primarily responsible for the protection of Georgia's wildlife. Rangers are tasked with enforcing the state's laws relating to hunting, boating, fishing and environmental issues. Rangers often work alone and at night.

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