Olive Branch Citizens Police Academy Meets K-9s, SWAT
Members of the Olive Branch Citizens Police Academy got an up-close look at some of the department’s most specialized units last week. On Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, Class No. 34 met for its fourth weekly session and heard from K-9 handlers, a drone pilot, and the SWAT team, plus a firearms safety presentation. The Olive Branch Police Department shared a recap and photos from the night on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
The free academy gives residents a behind-the-scenes view of how their police department works. It covers a different part of the agency each week during the fall session.
Week 4 at the Olive Branch Citizens Police Academy
The department listed four parts to the evening:
- A K-9 Division demonstration
- A drone presentation
- A S.W.A.T. team presentation
- A firearms safety presentation
The session opened with command staff biographies from Deputy Chief Joshua Mucciarone and Captain Bryce Wardlaw, giving the class a look at the people who lead the department.
K-9 Teams Steal the Show
According to OBPD, the K-9 Division “truly captured the class’s attention.” The handlers introduced their four-legged partners:
- Sgt. Andrew White with K-9 Baka
- Sgt. Michael Murphy with K-9 Yarko
- Officer Mitchell Fulce with K-9 Riki
- Officer Jared Lancaster with K-9 Tony
The handlers explained that the dogs are more than working animals. They are also part of the officers’ families at home. After the introductions, the teams put on a demonstration for the class.
Drones and SWAT: Seeing What Officers Walk Into
Detective Josh Ford led the drone presentation. The department said drones help officers see what they may be walking into before they arrive, and that Ford’s work supports every division in the department.
The SWAT team then explained what Special Weapons and Tactics means in practice. OBPD said the team showed the selflessness and commitment its members have to one another when “entering the unknown,” and that the class came away with a better sense of how dangerous and how important the unit’s work is for the city.
The department also thanked Lenny’s for providing dinner for the class, noting the restaurant’s continued support.
Next Up: The Range
The department’s post signed off with “See y’all at the range,” a sign that the next session will take the class to the firing range, following the firearms safety briefing.
The Citizens Police Academy is one of the ways the Olive Branch Police Department works to build trust with residents. The department serves a city of nearly 50,000 people. Graduates often go on to volunteer, share what they have learned with neighbors, or simply come away with a better understanding of what officers face on a daily basis. Residents interested in a future class can watch the Olive Branch Police Department’s Facebook page or contact the department for details on the next session.
Related coverage: Olive Branch Citizens’ Police Academy features Taser presentation | Olive Branch police launch Citizens Police Academy Class 34
Source: Olive Branch Police Department
