GPD's Hopkins completes FBI training

Assistant Chief of the Greencastle Police Department Brian Hopkins, center, earned the Yellow Brick Road award while at FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. Hopkins recently graduated from the 10-week academy. Congratulating him are State Representative Nancy Michael and Chief Tom Sutherlin.

Assistant Chief Brian Hopkins of the Greencastle Police Department recently graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. It is an accomplishment only two other Putnam County residents have completed.

Twenty-eight years ago, former Sheriff Richard Lyons graduated from the academy, followed by Detective Mike Biggs with the Putnam County Sheriff's Dept. in 1994. It is an honor for Hopkins to be among them as a graduate of the FBI academy.

The 14-year veteran will apply what he learned in the 10-week course to investigating local crime. Advanced computer forensics, advanced criminal investigation and terrorism were just a few of the things officers learned.

Hopkins' career began in Cloverdale until he joined the police department 11 years ago.

"I always wanted to be a police officer," he said. "I got out of the military and decided to pursue it."

Hopkins was one in 250 chosen officers in the world and one in four from the state to attend the FBI academy. While there, he received the Yellow Brick Road award for completing the 6.5-mile run with 25 obstacles.

"The obstacles included a rope climb, wall climb or even push ups," he said. "It was very difficult."

To congratulate Hopkins, the police department and Chief Tom Sutherlin hosted an open house Monday. State Representative Nancy Michael was in attendance to commend Hopkins for his accomplishment.