LOCAL NEWS | RAINSVILLE
Local Law Enforcement Officer Graduates from FBI National Academy
Rainsville, Alabama — On Thursday, March 19th, 2026, Chief Michael Edmondson announced that Captain Joshua Wilson has graduated as a member of the 297th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on March 18th, 2026.
Joshua Wilson is the first officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers has the opportunity to attend the program.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
The 297th session consisted of two hundred and fifty-three law enforcement officers who graduated today from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 297th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations.
Chief Michael Edmondson stated,
“I can’t express how proud I am of Capt. Wilson for completing the National Academy. Josh is an asset to our department and to our city. This is something that he has wanted to accomplish and has talked about for a long while. I am thankful that our Mayor and City Council granted this opportunity for us to allow him to attend, and we look forward to seeing his growth and all that he learned put into action for the Rainsville Police Department and the City of Rainsville.”
Josh Wilson is a 2009 graduate of Sylvania High School. After serving 4 years in the United States Marine Corps, he entered a career in law enforcement in 2013. He is currently the Captain at Rainsville Police Department. Josh received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Thomas University in 2022 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public safety.
About the FBI National Academy
FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits all the National Academy courses offered.
A total of 56,941 graduates has completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.
