Medford Town Council started off last week’s meeting with a special presentation.
A proclamation honoring Lt. Arthur Waterman was read by Mayor Charles Watson to recognize his graduation from the prestigious FBI National Academy’s 262nd session.
Council also expressed gratitude for the professionalism and enthusiasm he brings to the township.
Waterman has been a member of Medford’s police department since 1998 and has commanded many units within the department.
While serving on the force for 17 years, he has gradually worked his way up through the ranks to become a lieutenant.
“His years of faithful and dedicated service have earned him the respect of friends and colleagues,” Watson said.
The national academy Waterman attended takes place in Quantico, Va., over a 10-week span. There’s a long waiting list chock full of applicants who must first be accepted and appointed by the state FBI director in Newark to attend.
Waterman waited more than three-and-a-half years to be accepted.
During the course of his residential training in Quantico, he studied leadership, management, modern police techniques and issues, as well as health and physical fitness.
Medford Chief of Police Richard Meder was also in attendance at last week’s council meeting to share a few words about his coworker. Meder was proud to announce that Waterman took full advantage of his opportunity after patiently waiting for years. He graduated with straight A’s on Friday, Dec. 11.
Less than 1 percent of all law enforcement worldwide are invited to take part in this training. Waterman is the sixth member in the department’s history to graduate from the FBI’s National Academy.
“This is a really prestigious honor,” Meder said. “He did an outstanding job, and we’re real proud of him.”
“On behalf of council, we’re very proud of you as well. Thank you for putting all of the great effort in,” Watson said.
Council concluded the special presentation segment of the meeting with a few more recognitions.
Every year, Medford holds a local government institute at which residents take classes that preview every section of the township from the police department to the administration and even the sewer department, Watson said.
“It’s a really great way for people to learn about our town and our government and how the whole operation works,” Watson said.
This year, seven people went through the class, all of whom were given certificates from council for completing the course.
