BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office recognized its latest class of Citizens Academy graduates on Thursday evening. Among the 27 graduates were several married couples, best friends, and a father, son, and son-in-law.

The academy’s curriculum is designed to familiarize participants with the ICSO and strengthen relationships with the community relationships. Activities include canine demonstrations, a jail tour, drone demonstrations, shooting demonstrations, forensics, and much more.

Captain Matt Burleyson, who heads up the Citizens Academy, said about 500 residents have now completed the program.

“There’s a lot of differences since we started in 2014. We’ve added more,” he said. 

Grayson Harkey, 19, said it was an educational experience.

“I really enjoyed the fingerprinting,” he said. “I want to go into forensics.”

This was Eric Massenburg’s third time completing the program. This time he brought his son Ryan and son-in-law Cole.

“The most interesting to me are the traffic stops,” he said. “Just to see what they go through.”

Sheriff Darren Campbell was impressed by the turnout and level of interest.

“It’s a good group,” he said. “A lot of these have been here before.”

When Campbell asked how many would participate again, everyone raised their hands.

“This is the way you build lasting relationships,” he said. “We’re very big in the community because we build support for the mission we accomplish. We just want them to know that work for them.”

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