Rainsville Police Captain Graduates from FBI National Academy
RAINSVILLE — A member of the Rainsville Police Department has reached a significant professional milestone, earning recognition through one of the nation’s most prestigious law enforcement training programs.
Police Chief Michael Edmondson announced Thursday, March 19, 2026, that Captain Joshua Wilson graduated from the 297th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation ceremony was held March 18 at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Wilson is the first officer in the history of the Rainsville Police Department to complete the program, a distinction achieved by fewer than one percent of law enforcement officers nationwide.
The FBI National Academy is internationally recognized for its rigorous 10-week curriculum, which focuses on advanced training in leadership, communication and physical fitness. Attendance is limited to officers who demonstrate strong professional records within their agencies. On average, participants bring more than two decades of law enforcement experience and often return to serve in executive-level roles.
The 297th session included 253 officers representing 48 states and the District of Columbia, along with participants from 24 countries, four military organizations and four federal civilian agencies.
“I can’t express how proud I am of Capt. Wilson for completing the National Academy,” Edmondson said. “Josh is an asset to our department and to our city. This is something he has wanted to accomplish for a long time. I am thankful that our mayor and city council provided the opportunity for him to attend, and we look forward to seeing his growth and applying what he has learned to benefit the Rainsville Police Department and the community.”
Wilson, a 2009 graduate of Sylvania High School, served four years in the United States Marine Corps before beginning his law enforcement career in 2013. He currently serves as a captain with the department.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Thomas University in 2022 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public safety.
The FBI National Academy, established in 1935, has graduated more than 56,000 law enforcement professionals. Instruction is provided by FBI special agents, academy instructors and subject-matter experts, many of whom are internationally recognized in their fields. Since 1972, participants have been eligible to earn undergraduate and graduate academic credits through the University of Virginia, which accredits the program.
The academy is held at the FBI’s training facility in Quantico, where new special agents and intelligence analysts also receive their training.
