Spokane County Deputy Earns National Certification as a Master Field Training Officer (FTO)

Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy, and Field Training Officer, Louis Acosta was ceremoniously awarded his Master Field Training Officer (FTO) Certification from the National Association of Field Training Officers (NAFTO) during the 2021 Nation Conference. 

A Field Training Officer is responsible for training, evaluating, and guiding new Deputies, from entry-level to lateral transfers, on safely and lawfully serving the citizens of Spokane County as a Deputy.  The responsibility of being an FTO is one of the most critical positions for the Sheriff’s Office.  The training and guidance provided by an FTO lays the foundation of an entry-level Deputy’s career and shapes lateral Deputy’s past experiences with the fundamental beliefs and policies of the Sheriff’s Office.

 

On June 10, 2021, at the National Association of Field Training Officers 2021 National Conference hosted by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office here in Spokane at Northern Quest, Deputy Louis Acosta received his Master Field Training Officer Certification. 

 

Deputy Acosta joined the Sheriff’s Office as an experienced Lateral Deputy in 2014, bringing nine years of service at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office and then the Post Falls Police Department.  He was also a Spokane County Reserve Deputy and a North Central High School Graduate. 

 

As the FTO Program Supervisor, Lieutenant Justin Elliott, wrote, “When a deputy trainee is at a critical point in the FTO process, Deputy Acosta has been one of our “go-to” FTOs for specific training, problem-solving, and balanced training environments. Further, he regularly communicates with his platoon sergeants and FTO supervisors to ensure buy-in and a shared message for the expectations of the deputy, the unit, and the agency.  Further, he regularly communicates with his platoon sergeants and FTO supervisors to ensure buy-in and a shared message for the expectations of the deputy, the unit and the agency.”   

 

As a Platoon Supervisor, Sergeant Kiehn noted, “Deputy Acosta does not hesitate to help his platoon members and is a field resource to his fellow deputies and supervisors at times.   Deputies having the opportunity to train with Deputy Acosta systematically exit his training car ahead of their peers.”

 

Sheriff Knezovich stated, “Since Deputy Acosta joined the Sheriff’s Office, he has continually strived to be one of the best.  His professionalism, knowledge, and calm demeanor, have guided his desire to serve our community with excellence.  This, combined with his ability to teach and guide new deputies, is invaluable to the Sheriff’s Office and the continued legacy of professional service we provide to the citizens of Spokane County.”

 

Please help us congratulate Deputy Louis Acosta for achieving his National Association of Field Training Officers, Master Field Training Officer Certification, and his continued dedication and service to our community.