Wayne Community College graduated its 63rd Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) class during ceremonies on Dec. 19. The 13 cadets who completed the college’s academy received certificates to work as sworn law enforcement officers in North Carolina.
Certificates were conferred on
Remarco J. Atkinson, James V. Atkinson Jr., and Daniel C. Gurley of Pikeville;
William T. Bland Jr. of Mount Olive;
Joshua A. Davis, Dustin S. d’Hemecourt, Jeremy D. Grimes, Aaron D. Keefer, and Kyle W. Rozzi of Goldsboro;
Autumn M. Kahl of Seven Springs;
Joshua D. Leggett of Dudley;
Corey J. Mello of Kenansville; and
Amy L. Parker of La Grange.
Awards were presented to graduates for outstanding performance in various training areas.
Mr. d’Hemecourt was presented the “Top Gun” award for demonstrating the most overall proficiency in use of firearms. Cadets complete 48 hours of firearms work in both the classroom and on the firing range.
The Physical Fitness Award went to Mr. Davis, who excelled in all activities designed to prepare the recruits for the Police Officer’s Physical Ability Test and timed runs.
Ms. Kahl earned Valedictorian honors by demonstrating excellence in both practical and academic areas of training, standing out in participation and attendance, and the best overall attitude in and out of class.
Mr. d’Hemecourt also was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership Award for serving as the official “Class Leader” during the academy. He was responsible for keeping the recruits in compliance with college rules and regulations, and functioned as the liaison between his classmates and instructors and the college.
Mr. Rozzi and Mr. d’Hemecourt were selected by their peers to speak during the ceremony. Both spoke of the rigors of the program, the dedication and sacrifices of their loved ones and friends that allowed them to complete it, and the respect they have for their instructors and their new profession.
WCC Public Safety Division Chair Beverly Deans acknowledged the mental and physical challenges the cadets had faced during more than 600 hours of training covering 39 aspects of law enforcement and congratulated them for the commitment that got them through it all.
“You have now become leaders in the community. Your leadership qualities should include not just doing things right, but doing the right things,” said WCC Law Enforcement Training Coordinator Angie Blizzard. “Always lead by example.”
“Don’t just be a great officer; be a great person.” Mrs. Blizzard said.
With this graduating class, the school has produced 1,013 graduates since its inception as a curriculum program 1987. Currently, WCC graduates work for 51 different law enforcement agencies just in this state.
WCC’s academy is accredited by the N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and N.C. Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission through the N.C. Community College System.
Wayne Community College is a public, two-year college with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, it serves 15,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 100 college credit programs.
Follow WCC on Facebook and Twitter.
