CCC&TI celebrates 60th BLET academy as cadets prepare to serve western NC

A regional law enforcement training program that feeds officers into departments across Western North Carolina has graduated its 60th academy, a milestone for Burke County agencies and residents who depend on a steady pipeline of trained recruits.

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute recently celebrated the 60th class of its Basic Law Enforcement Training, or BLET, program, honoring graduates after months of academic work, physical training and practical exercises designed to prepare them for police work.

CCC&TI’s BLET program trains future officers for municipal police departments, sheriff’s offices, state agencies and other law enforcement organizations across the region, meaning its graduates can help shape the staffing and quality of public safety close to home.

During the ceremony, Program Director Chief Brent Phelps said the class began as ordinary citizens pursuing a goal and left as trained professionals ready to serve.

“They were just regular citizens trying to chase a dream,” Phelps said. “Through a lot of hard work, a lot of sweat, a lot of determination and a lot of anguish, they’ve transformed into young law enforcement professionals.”

Graduate speaker Cadet John-Robert Boyd told classmates and families the academy tested cadets mentally, physically and emotionally, while also building strong bonds among them. He also thanked families and loved ones for the support he said officers will continue to need once they enter the profession.

The keynote address came from Chief Jonathan Kirby, a BLET physical training instructor, who said he saw the cadets grow physically, mentally, emotionally and professionally over the course of the academy. He urged them to continue learning, protect their integrity and support one another as they begin careers in law enforcement.

Kirby also challenged graduates to bring compassion and steadiness into difficult situations.

“The world has enough darkness,” he said. “It needs officers who bring light into difficult situations.”

One of the most notable moments of the ceremony came with the presentation of the Top Gun Award to Cadet Caillean L. Cooke, who became the first woman in the history of CCC&TI’s BLET program to receive that honor.

Other awards presented included:

• Driving Award — Cadet Joshua Thebeau
• Academic Award — Cadet Alex McDiarmid
• State Exam Top Score Award — Cadet John-Robert Boyd
• Female Physical Fitness Award — Cadet Evelyn Kent
• Male Physical Fitness Award — Cadet John-Robert Boyd
• Female Police Officer Physical Abilities Test Award — Cadet Evelyn Kent
• Male Police Officer Physical Abilities Test Award — Cadet John-Robert Boyd
• GRIT Award — Cadet Daniel Boyles
• Director’s Choice Award — Cadet Caillean L. Cooke

Phelps closed the event by telling graduates they are the future of law enforcement and future protectors of their communities.