Key West Police Captain Bradley Lariz is now one of an exclusive class of law enforcement officers who graduated this week from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia.
“We are fortunate to have another FBI Academy graduate return to our department,” said Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg. “This exceptional opportunity is highly sought by thousands of police managers and executives. I’m sure that Capt. Lariz will bring this new knowledge and experience to compliment his leadership role in the department.”
Approximately 250 law enforcement officers graduated from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia. The 297th Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states. Included in the class are members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 20 countries, five military organizations, and eight federal civilian organizations.
Captain Lariz has worked for the Key West Police Department since 2002. During his career, he has worked road patrol, bicycle patrol and as a narcotics detective. He has also served as a Field Training Officer and was a member of the Special Response Team for three years.
Captain Lariz was promoted to Sergeant in 2012 and assigned to patrol for two years until he was transferred to the Narcotics Special Investigations Unit. After four and a half years he was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Unit for another two years. In 2021, Capt. Lariz was promoted to Lieutenant in command of the Criminal Investigation Division. In 2023 he was promoted to Captain, overseeing the Operations Division.
Captain Lariz has served with dedication and a true commitment to the community since he started as a patrol officer. His outstanding level of service has been reflected over the years by other recognitions of his work ethic. He has been recognized by the community and by the Key West Police Department for his dedicated service. He was named Officer of the Year in 2011 and is the recipient of several Unit Awards and Chief’s Commendations.
Captain Lariz comes from a long line of police officers in his family. His grandfather, Harry Lariz was a reserve Police Officer, his father, Tony Lariz retired as a Captain, his Uncle David retired as Deputy Chief, his Uncle Harry retired as a lieutenant and his cousin Craig Lariz served as an officer, all with the Key West Police Department. Also, his cousin David Lariz served with the Monroe County Sherriff’s Office.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers eleven weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions. Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise. A total of 56,941 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935.
The graduating officers were welcomed by keynoter speaker, FBI Deputy Co-Director Christopher Raia. Chief Brandenburg, who graduated from the 266th Session of the Academy in 2016, attended Capt. Lariz’s graduation.