The City of Concord honored 20 community members for successfully completing the Citizen Public Safety Academy. During a graduation banquet held at City Hall on Tuesday, Mayor Bill Dusch, City Council members, and City leaders recognized the 2025 graduates for their dedication to learning about the City’s public safety departments and partnering with the City to create safe neighborhoods where families and businesses can thrive.
Unlike many other large and fast-growing cities, Concord continues to distinguish itself as one of the safest and best places to live. A recent report from ConsumerAffairs ranked Concord in the top 10 cities to move to in North Carolina, with the City receiving high marks for its safety record – the 5th highest safety ranking among the 40 cities analyzed.
During the 8-week Citizen Public Safety Academy, participants get a look at what it takes to be one of the safest cities. They learn the inner workings of the police, fire, and communications departments, and walk away with a new perspective and appreciation for the work of the City’s first responders. The program builds community relationships and equips participants to take information back to their neighborhoods as ambassadors for the City.
The 2025 Citizen Public Safety Academy Graduates are: Gabe Aldridge, Cora Billingsley, Lauren Brooks, Beth Butchko, Kenneth Cox, Nikki Jones, Jack Lambert, Jia Li, Greg Murphy, Kathy Murphy, Earl Myers, Robin Patterson, Stephanie Patterson, Brent Plott, Andreina Ramirez, Mondo Santacruz, Don Seitz, Tanisha Smoutherson, Lisa Velazquez, Catherine Whiteford.
The Citizen Public Safety Academy is offered annually in the winter, with the next opportunity to participate beginning in February 2026. More information about the program is available online at concordnc.gov/publicsafetyacademy.
2025 Citizen Public Safety Academy Graduates