23-04-2025
FBI Citizens Academy graduates first Dothan class
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — An exciting day for 20 residents in the Wiregrass, as they graduated from Dothan's first-ever FBI Citizens Academy.
The seven-week course was held at the Wiregrass Public Safety Center in Dothan.
It showed the 20 residents the inner workings of the FBI, which included: history of the bureau, a look at old cases they have investigated in the past, a look at the types of cases they investigate, and a look into what goes into being in the FBI.
FBI Citizens Academy classes are held across the country, but this was the first one to be held in Dothan, and following the ceremony, they were given a certificate.
'This is the first year that this can start some collaboration with the community,' Graduate and Dothan City Commissioner, Dr. Aristotle Kirkland said. 'It can get people more involved for the next class, the next year, the next time.'
Graduates say it was once in a lifetime experience that gives them a higher appreciation for people in the bureau.
'I think it's going to make us appreciate and notice the things that go on,' Graduate and Chairman of the Dothan Police Foundation, Wayne Palmer said. 'Some of the stories they told us about some events and how they handled them, those things you don't forget.'
Following the ceremony, the graduates got to watch a live SWAT team demonstration and practice shooting in the firing range at the public safety center.
The FBI Citizens Academy will be held in Dothan around the same time next year, where this year's graduates will get to help recruit the next class.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
