The Olive Branch Police Department said Week 4 of Class 33 of its Citizens’ Police Academy included demonstrations from the K-9 Division, Fugitive Division, drone unit, SWAT team and a firearms safety presentation.
Command staff biographies were given by Chief Carlos Garcia, Deputy Chief Joshua Mucciarone and Captain Bryce Wardlaw, the department said. The K-9 Division presented a demonstration with Sgt. Andrew White and K-9 Baka, Officer Michael Murphy and K-9 Yarko, and Officer Mitchell Fulce and K-9 Riki. The department said handlers emphasized that the dogs are part of their families and not just working animals.
Sgt. Dalton Todd of the Fugitive Division discussed methods used to locate suspects and told participants their names were not on his warrant list, the department said. Detective Josh Ford led the drone presentation and explained the role drones play across divisions in helping officers assess situations from the air.
The SWAT team demonstrated tactics and equipment, the department said, and discussed the risks and teamwork involved in high‑risk operations. The session also included a firearms safety presentation and, the department said, reinforced the team’s commitment to public safety.
The department thanked Mis Pueblo Restaurant for providing dinner to the class and said the participants will meet at the shooting range Saturday, according to the post by the Olive Branch Police Department.
