A Walton County Sheriff’s Office Captain has graduated from the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Virginia.
Captain Dustin Cosson is now one of 54,366 law enforcement officers who have completed the FBI National Academy since its inception in 1935.
The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on Thursday, June 8th in front of family and friends.
Nationally, fewer than one percent of law enforcement officers have the chance to attend. Participation is by invitation only through a nomination process. Participants are drawn from every U.S. state and territories and partnering nations internationally.
Known around the world for its academic excellence, the National Academy is a ten-week course offering advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend.
Employed with the Sheriff’s Office since 2009, Captain Cosson has served in many capacities at the sheriff’s office including investigations, patrol, internal investigations, and as an active member of SWAT Team.
While in various positions around the agency, the Walton County native has received numerous accolades including a Florida House of Representatives Commendation in July 2012, Deputy of the Quarter in July 2013 and August 2016, and Walton Area Chamber Young Professional of the Year in 2022.
His latest promotion earned him the position of Captain of the Criminal Investigation Bureau and in just the past five years Cosson has completed The Walton Area Chamber Leadership Walton Class (2020), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Leadership Academy (2019), and the Florida State University Certified Public Manager program (2017) and now the FBI National Academy.
Cosson not only serves in an official capacity but volunteers much of his time working as a board member for non-profits such as Shelter House of Northwest Florida and Mainstreet DeFuniak Springs and participating in the South Walton High School Criminal Justice Advisory Counsel.
“It was a humbling experience to have the opportunity to learn and train with the top law enforcement executives from around the world,” said Captain Cosson. “I am honored to represent Walton County and my agency at such a respected program. I’m excited to get back to work to implement everything I’ve learned while at the academy.”
The 286th session consisted of 238 law enforcement officers from 47 states and the District of Columbia.
The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 25 countries, five military organizations, and six federal civilian organizations.
Each year, the FBI sponsors four sessions of the National Academy. Each includes about 220 local law enforcement officers who live in dorm-like settings during the 10-week long course away from their loved ones and friends.
“I want to thank my family, my wife Emily and my two kids, and Sheriff Adkinson for supporting me and giving me the opportunity to represent Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the State of Florida,” said Cosson.
