It is said that good things come to those that work hard and persevere. After all, success favors the prepared mind.

In a defining moment of his 11-year law enforcement career, Guymon Police Operations Captain Michael Babb  has been selected to join an elite few at the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] National Academy in January at the FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia.

The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for United States 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.

Babb, 37, made it through the nearly two year selection process and is ready for the opportunity and the challenge of the ten week course.
"I think it will be fun but also a lot of hard work," said the Woodward, Oklahoma native. "We'll have mandatory physical fitness as well as academic work we do.

"This academy is geared towards expanding and broadening the horizons of law enforcement administrators whether it be a municipal, state, county or foreign law enforcement agency."

Guymon police chief Eddie Adamson recommended Babb for the coveted academy and is confident in Babb's ability to be successful at Quantico.
"The National Academy is one of the most highly recognized symbols of excellence in law enforcement administration," explained Adamson. "He [Babb] has demonstrated superior, not only intellect, decision making and we want to add to that.

"Sending someone to the national academy is not something people do lightly. It takes a commitment not only from the individual attending but also from the agency that is sending him. For us to lose our operations captain for three months while he is in training is a pretty serious blow to us but it is worthwhile.

"We consider it a short term loss for long term gain."

Babb, now in his fourth year as a captain, was humble when asked about his selection.

"I am honored to be able to go," he said. "This is a very huge honor for me and a huge honor for the department to be represented at the National Academy.

"In any job, you're exposed to one element, well, when you go somewhere else and are exposed to another element, it broadens your knowledge and it gives you more tools to use in your job.

"Knowledge is power."