The Ellis County Press: Follow the 'yellow brick' road; Midlothian captain graduates FBI Academy

Follow the 'yellow brick' road; Midlothian captain graduates FBI Academy
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Megan Gray on 04/16/2011 12:14:00


MIDLOTHIAN - Climbing over walls, running  through creeks and maneuvering 
across a cargo net are only a select few challenges Midlothian Police Captain
Don Cole faced through his Marine designed obstacle course to obtain his
“yellow brick.”
A “yellow brick” is something most in law enforcement know about and have
hopes of earning someday themselves by attending the Federal Bureau of
Investigation Academy.
Something, this 23 year veteran of MPD was able to take advantage of.
Cole was accepted into the academy this January. From there, he spent 10 weeks
in Quantico, VA attending classes from 8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“The classes are more in-depth courses on daily operations we run into here at
the police department,” said Cole.
Taking classes in Interview strategies through statement analysis, Lab law
issues for law enforcement administration, Fitness in law enforcement, Legal
issues impacting law enforcement operations and Computer crimes for police
supervisors earned Cole 17 college credits from the University of Virginia.
Running and exercising to build up to the 6.2 mile long obstacle course was
“challenging, but fun.”
“We would go two hours each 3-4 times a week,” said Cole, who lost 10
pounds, three inches from his waist and 10% body fat over the 10 weeks.
The fitness challenge began at the National Academy in 1981 and evolved in 1998
after the Marines placed yellow bricks at various spots to show runners the way
through the wooded trail. If you make it through the course, you are awarded a
“yellow brick.”
Cole is just grateful he not only earned his “yellow brick” but, was
accepted into the academy.
“Only two percent across the world are chosen,” said Cole.
The FBI National Academy started with just 23 students in July, 1935 and has
increased to Cole’s class of 257 students, 20 of those students from 20
different countries.
“I appreciate the chief [Carl Smith] and city of Midlothian allowing me to
enhance my career in law enforcement by attending. I want to be the best captain
I can be.”