December 13, 2024
QUANTICO, Va. – Arkansas State Police Captain Philip Hydron graduated from the 292nd session of the FBI National Academy on Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Quantico, Virginia. The graduation ceremony featured remarks by FBI Director Christopher Wray, with Captain Hydron serving as the class spokesperson.
Capt. Hydron is a 21-year veteran of the ASP and has served as commander of the Highway Patrol, Troop D, in Forrest City since 2023. He has also served on the ASP SWAT team for 18 years. In 2011 and 2022, Capt. Hydron was honored as ASP Trooper of the Year.
After graduating from Harding Academy High School, Capt. Hydron attended Harding University in Searcy. He has two sisters, Gia Gowan and Shelly Burcham. Captain Hydron is married to Rorie Hydron, and they have three children: Payton, Trevor, and Kylie. He also has a grandson, Asher, and a daughter-in-law, Kaitlyn Hydron.
The 292nd session included 257 law enforcement officers from 48 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, representatives from 27 countries, eight military organizations, and five federal civilian agencies.
The National Academy is recognized worldwide for its academic excellence. It offers 11 weeks of advanced training in communication, leadership, and fitness. Candidates must have a proven record as professionals within their agencies to participate. On average, attendees possess 21 years of law enforcement experience and typically return to their agencies to take on executive-level roles.
About the FBI Academy
The FBI Academy’s training is conducted by instructors, special agents, and other staff members who hold advanced degrees. Many of these instructors are internationally recognized in their fields. Since 1972, students of the National Academy have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits all courses offered at the National Academy.
The FBI National Academy, established in 1935, has produced 55,797 graduates. Training occurs at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia, which also serves as the training ground for new FBI special agents and intelligence analysts.