Greetings! When they hear that I’m involved in the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, people often ask what it is that we do. And longtime inactive members may wonder what the same. Allow me to catch you up on our most recent activities.

Since I last wrote you, we cosponsored our annual Civil Rights and the Law symposium. This year’s program focused on Hate Crimes and was held at the historic 16^th St Baptist Church. As always, it is auspicious and moving to attend an event at 16^th St, and this symposium was no exception. And since we are on the subject of senseless, hateful crimes, we were fully and deeply engaged when little Kamille McKinney was abducted from a birthday party in Birmingham. Our FBICAAA chapter coordinated with National leadership and the FBI’s local Employee Assistance Program and provided literally hundreds of hot meals and beverages to the Command Post, over the course of several days. We supported and fed as many as 50 FBI, BPD and JeffCo Sheriff’s Dept. personnel per shift, as they were investigating the 3-year-olds disappearance. And on Sunday, 10/20, we were specifically called upon by the Birmingham Police Department to conduct search parties in Huffman to look for the missing child. I personally led a squad of 24 on a grid search to scour a neighborhood, an apartment complex, and a wooded area, searching for clues or evidence related to the case.  Thanks to all our members who came out to help with the search, and special thanks to our partners at Infragard and to Jay Germann and his cohorts from the Chelsea Police Department, who also answered the call for assistance.

On a brighter note, we had a very enjoyable evening last week in Birmingham, where we had an FBI After Dark event at Macaroni Grill. A good crowd attended, and we had social time with fellow members and some of their significant others; SAC Johnnie Sharp was gracious enough to join us and provide welcoming and introductory remarks, and then ASAC Todd Bobe presented a study of a case he worked in north Mississippi a few years ago, called “The Stupid Poisoner’s Handbook.” It was a wild ride.

Presently? We have the Birmingham Fall Citizens Academy class about to graduate in 2 weeks – the Alumni Association will provide dinner and firm handshakes to all. And Paul Daymond is making final preparations for Range Day 2019. Details will be forthcoming shortly. And if you missed the FBI After Dark in Birmingham that we just held, you’ll have another chance coming up shortly – we’ll be announcing one for Huntsville very soon, so look for details.

So…all in all, we’re busy and productive. But there needs to be more opportunities for our members to come to know one another better, and to socialize and network. So in that interest, know that in the immediate future, there will be an increased emphasis that – social educational, and service events to provide opportunities for our members to come together, so watch for announcements.

All best wishes,

Paul H. Franklin, President