The 85th class of Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) cadets have graduated from Wayne Community College.
Each graduate successfully completed 648 hours of instruction and earned a certificate that will allow them to work as a sworn law enforcement officer in North Carolina.
The 17 graduates, listed by city of residence, are
Dudley
Hugo Daniel Gonzalez
Four Oaks
Phillip Lee Powell
Goldsboro
Karly Brooke Denning
Gregory John Heffner
Daniel James Holland
Joshua Roy Jones
Kinston
Jazmine Marie Toves
La Grange
Dawton Karl King
William Campbell Pearson III
Pikeville
Drake Christopher Ennis
David Ray Robinson
Shaun Gavin Wiley
Princeton
Thomas Allen Spellman
Seven Springs
Rebecca Nichole Browder
Snow Hill
Ramir Alcantara
Kennedy Nicole Sauls
Stantonsburg
Ethan Perry Brock
Cadets Holland and Spellman offered remarks on behalf of their class during the BLET graduation ceremony.
Holland said the cadets’ training has been an important journey for them and their families. “I know I learned something from each and every one of you,” he told his classmates, “and I appreciate all of the people I had the honor and pleasure of working with throughout this class.”
Spellman reflected on the graduates’ accomplishments over the last 16 weeks. “These past weeks have pushed us academically, physically, and mentally,” he said. “However, through it all, we persevered and grew as a class.”
WCC President Patty Pfeiffer also acknowledged the hard work and personal growth of the cadets over the last several months. “You’ve completed a challenging journey, one that required perseverance, discipline, and an unwavering dedication to becoming the best version of yourselves,” she said. “The impact that you will have on the lives of others is profound. I believe you all have a bright future ahead of you in law enforcement.”
“Being able to stand in front of graduates and individuals such as these students is the very best part of my job,” WCC Vice President of Academic and Student Services Brandon Jenkins said during the ceremony. “To our graduates, I want to commend you on a job well done. We will be forever grateful for your service to us and your time with us.”
During the ceremony, several awards were presented to cadets with outstanding performance in various areas.
Heffner was the recipient of the Physical Fitness Award. He was described as someone who never gave up and who not only is physically strong but also demonstrated mental toughness throughout the class.
The Top Gun Award was presented to Ennis for his proficiency in the program’s firearms portion, which includes 48 hours of handgun, shotgun, and decision-making courses.
King earned the Leadership Award. He was awarded for being someone who represents what leadership is all about and someone who is always there for others, cheering them on, and providing the help they need.
The Major Jay R. Memmelaar Student Excellence Award was given to Powell as the student with the highest academic average who has excelled throughout the academy. A check from the George D. Williams Foundation was presented along with the award. Williams was a significant supporter of public safety and law enforcement.
WCC Dean of Public Safety Angie Blizzard told the cadets that their job as law enforcement officers may not always be easy, but it will be rewarding.
“You have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s day, no matter how small, every time you go to work,” she said. “You know what to do, and you know how to do it. Now it is time to go out and do those things that you have learned.”
BLET is a state-accredited program mandated by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission through the NC Community College System.
WCC’s BLET academy has graduated around 1,200 students who work for approximately 53 different law enforcement agencies on the local, county, and state levels.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.