FBI Concludes Citizens' Academy

NEW YORK - The eighth annual Citizens’ Academy closed with a graduation ceremony honoring this year’s participants. Members of the FBI’s New York Office and academy graduates made an unwavering commitment to continue to build on the strong partnerships already developed with alumni of the program. Members of this year’s Citizens’ Academy included civic leaders, religious leaders, doctors, judges, members of the media, financial managers, professors, community organizers, and many others. The class was featured numerous times in the press, including the New York Daily News, NBC New York, and many other outlets.

“Not in my wildest dreams did I believe this class would be so intense. It has provided a glimpse into the lives of the men and women of the FBI. I wish everyone could take this 10-week program to see what goes into protecting the city of New York and the American people,” said Duane Jackson, president of this year’s academy class and one of the street vendors who alerted the NYPD about the suspicious vehicle in Times Square on May 1, 2010.

The FBI Police Honor Guard presents the colors to open the ceremony.
Photo credit: FBI, New York

Assistant Director in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk was quoted as saying, “We had 43 incredible individuals participate in this year’s class, and it is my sincere hope that each and every one of them will continue to be involved as we grow this important partnership.”

Assistant Director in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk presents New York weatherman Mr. G, of WPIX, with an FBI hat and bag. Mr. G served as the keynote speaker for the event, entertaining graduates and guests.
Photo credit: FBI, New York

The academy is designed to foster increased understanding and cooperation between members of the community and the FBI while developing strengthened relationships between the two groups. The graduates of Citizens' Academy enable the FBI to stay better attuned to the needs and issues of the community, are more willing to pick up the phone and call us with information to solve or prevent crimes, become ambassadors of the FBI who dispel myths and misunderstandings about the Bureau, and often go on to join alumni chapters that work directly with us on numerous public safety initiatives.

Assistant Director in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk presents Dr. Jay Findling with the Director’s Community Leadership Award.
Photo Credit: FBI, New York

The goal is for alumni to leave with a far better understanding of the organization, what we do, and why we do it. It also provides a medium for dialogue on various issues, problems, and creates a system of partnership in times of crisis.

Special Agent in Charge Gerald Rose with a recent graduate of the Citizens’ Academy during the reception.
Photo credit: FBI, New York

This year’s graduates heard from representatives from all six divisions including: Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, Intelligence, Special Operations, Criminal, and Administrative. They were provided a full day at the firing range in Fort Dix, New Jersey and had the opportunity to hear from retired undercover Special Agent Jack Garcia, in addition to many other presentations and stories by current and former agents.

Members of The Barbershop Harmony Society sang several numbers during the ceremony.
Photo credit: FBI, New York

The Citizens’ Academy was founded more than 15 years ago in Phoenix, Arrizona and has graduated more than 10,000 members. If you are interested in attending the next Citizens’ Academy, please contact your local FBI field office.

Assistant Director in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk with several of the 43 graduates of the Citizens’ Academy class.
Photo credit: FBI, New York