Posted: 5/15/07
Commissioners reviewing Lt. Swedbergís request to attend FBI training school
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
Houston County Sheriffís Department Lt. Brian Swedberg has a rare opportunity, and heís hoping the Houston County Board agrees. Swedberg attended the May 8 county board meeting and informed the commissioners he is one of just three peace officers in the state selected to attend a 10-week training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Swedberg had been nominated to the selection committee four years ago when Mike Lee served as county sheriff. According to Swedberg, the selection committee reviews many applications each year, and most applicants are not selected the first year they apply. Only one-half of one percent of the persons who apply for the school are accepted.
The 10-week school would be held from Sept. 30 until Dec. 14 of this year. A total of 250 peace officers world-wide will be attending the school, which is different from classes taken by persons wishing to become FBI agents.
The costs involved in attending the school would be covered by the FBI, including transportation, lodging, food, and all education supplies.
County commissioners were impressed with the fact Swedberg was accepted to such a prestigious school, and agreed the training he received would be quite advantageous for the Sheriffís Department. They did, however wonder how the department would cover Swedbergís absence for 10 weeks.
When asked about this issue, Sheriff Doug Ely replied the county would be a man short, "but we could get by."
When asked if Swedbergís absence for 10 weeks would require overtime expenses, Ely said that it would. "This is a national academy, and I feel it would be a benefit to our department. This is something I inherited, Sheriff Lee nominated Brian. But I do feel it is something very worthwhile."
Commissioner Larry Connery said he was concerned about the money being spent in overtime, versus getting similar training closer to home.
Swedberg felt there might be some concern about him receiving the training and then moving on to another department. "Iíve been with this department for a long time, have lived in the county for a long time, and do not plan on moving on to something else. But I would be willing to sign a statement or agreement forfeiting my severance pay if I would leave the department within the next two years, or longer, if that would help," he told the commissioners.
County Personnel Director Tim Comstock said any memo of understanding would have to be approved by the union, since Swedberg is a union employee.
"Iím wondering if we would be setting a precedent if we approve this," Commissioner Tom Bjerke said.
"Thereís two ways we can go about this," Commissioner Dave Corcoran said. "We either endorse this with some stipulations, or we donít endorse it and if Brian wants to go, he can, but he would have to take a leave of absence.
"Thereís a lot of issues to look at here," Corcoran continued. "If we approve this and the Sheriffís Office can get by without Brian for 10 weeks, people are going to ask us why we hired an extra deputy."
The commissioners felt they needed to get more information on this issue and have more time to review it. Swedberg said he would provide the board with an in-depth look at the various courses he would be taking.
The board decided to table any action for two weeks, which would give them time to review the various issues that were brought up.
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