Jul 30
10 BLET Graduates Prepared for Career in Law Enforcement
On July 28, the thin blue line got a little bit thicker in North Carolina thanks to the 10 cadets who completed the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program at Richmond Community College and committed themselves to a career in law enforcement.
Family and friends, as well as law officers from multiple agencies, attended the graduation ceremony that recognizes these cadets for completing the five-month program, which includes training in firearms, driving, motor vehicle law, and arrest, search and seizure.
The BLET course is also filled with practical exercises and an extensive ethics section that is woven throughout the training experience.
Guest speaker for the graduation ceremony, Scotland County Sheriff Ralph Kersey, talked about the strong morals an officer of the law must have.
“When you have to enforce the law be firm and fair, but remember the community that you serve includes everyone,” Kersey said, adding that law enforcement officers should always treat people how they’d want to be treated.
“You will be leaders in your community,” Kersey said. “Leadership means not just doing things right but doing the right thing. I urge you to not just look for ways to make the grade but look for ways to make a difference.”
Kersey also said leadership means setting an example.
“All of us who are public servants have a responsibility not to just carry the title but be worthy of it. You will have a good deal of authority granted to you as an officer. Be careful that you always use it wisely and well,” he said.
Dr. Dale McInnis, president of RCC, introduced Kersey as the guest speaker.
“While Sheriff Ralph Kersey is relatively new to the role of sheriff, he is not new to law enforcement. From his career with the Highway Patrol, he brings his experience, expertise and leadership to the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office,” McInnis said. “It is our honor and privilege to have him as the guest speaker for the 2015 BLET graduation.”
The 2015 BLET graduates include Byron Carr, Chris Coburn, Jonathan Decello, Carmen Jenkins, Weston Kelly, Shaquill Knox, Jalen Steele, Greg Stone, Thomas Thompson and Amanda Williams.
Receiving awards for their BLET achievements were Chris Coburn for physical fitness, Byron Carr for firearms and Weston Kelly for academics. Kelly also was named the top overall cadet for the class.
Cpt. Jay Childers, a BLET instructor, acknowledged the many law enforcement officers who contributed to the cadets’ training and instruction.
BLET graduate Amanda Williams also provided remarks during the ceremony about her fellow classmates and the friendships that developed during the five months of training.
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