FOLEY, Ala. — After two and a half months of weekly meetings, the participants in the Foley Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy finally became graduates in front of friends, family and Foley’s Finest on Saturday at the police station.
As each of the participants accepted their Foley Police polo shirt or blouse, smiles filled the room from corner to corner.
Lt. Charles Massey, class instructor and Foley PD administration commander, gave a heartwarming speech hailing the hard work and effort of the class members.
“This group has shown a commitment to come each week,” Massey said, noting the class allowed residents to learn about their city’s police department.
Police Chief David Wilson also commended the graduates and thanked them for spending time learning about the department.
“I will tell you it is a pleasure to invite you in as out guests,” he said. “We benefit greatly from spending time with the various citizens we serve.”
On Thursday, the class practiced gripping a gun and pulling the trigger on pistols. Each participant learned the stance, grip, sight alignment and sight picture to aim at the desired target. Cpl. Brandon Mothershed gave a brief firearm safety overview to the participants before even touching one of the guns.
“The most dangerous is someone who is not educated to handle a firearm,” Mothershed said.
While the guns were not loaded on Thursday, the class got the opportunity to shoot loaded guns Saturday morning at a firing range in Foley. Each resident took turns firing 25 rounds out of a pistol in an accuracy competition. Many class members enjoyed the finale of the program and did not want it to end.
“Can we start over? I think I missed something,” Carol Beebout said jokingly.
Class members consider the third citizens academy class to be held Foley an enjoyable experience and success.
“The class was very informative. I was looking forward to Thursdays and I didn’t think that would happen before it started,” Donald Barnett, one of the graduates, said after the morning at the range.
The graduates are: Barnett; Beebout; Rebecca Bibby, who was not able to attend the ceremony; Tamaira Dearing; Claire Denlea; Devin Golden; Keri Green; Joanna Hardin; Debbie Holder; David Humphries, who won the shooting range contest; Howard Larinan; Patty Martin; Jerry Maynard; Bret Morse; Richard Musgrove; Pastor Bennie Richardson II; and Hope Solorzano.
