Ready for the badge: 18 cadets graduate from CCCC law enforcement academy

SANFORD, N.C. — The graduates of CCCC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training entered their commencement ceremony having passed through a gauntlet of challenges designed to prepare them for careers as law enforcement officers. 

“Our instructors held us to a standard and that standard remained the standard,” said class leader Thomas Vincent. 

During the June 10 event at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center in Sanford, local law enforcement officers and CCCC leaders took to the stage to present awards representing top performances in some key aspects of the BLET training, which takes place over the course of 21 weeks.

The awards included honors for the cadets with the fastest times on the Police Officer Physical Abilities Test. Trevor Williams had the fastest time on the first phase, which simulated the rigors of chasing and apprehending a suspect, and included components like running, jumping, and doing pushups. Claybourne Cole had the fastest time for the second phase, which simulated a rescue scenario and included running, stair step exercises, and dragging a 175-pound dummy.

This year’s Jimmy Collins Top Gun Award went to cadet Phillip Hunter, who had the best score for the firearms field course portion of the training. 

The highest GPA for the class was held by Tyler Billiet and Donald Dunlap had the highest score on the 300-question state certification exam. These achievements required mastery of 39 blocks of instruction, covering topics such as criminal law, justice, juvenile law, traffic enforcement, firearms and physical training, communications skills, and many more.

In his remarks to the graduates, Capt. Bill Marcum of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said cadets are faced with learning numerous facts and details that can all seem equally important. 

“BLET has a way of testing you,” he said. “It tests your discipline, your commitment. And it tests your patience.” 

Their impact as officers, he said, will often depend on the respect and compassion they show. That includes how they treat people who may be experiencing one of the worst days of their lives when they encounter them. 

“Never lose your humanity,” he said. “The badge gives your authority, but your character gives you credibility.” 

Among the 18 cadets crossing the stage at the BLET graduation was Rob Brown of Sanford, cheered on by family and neighbors in the audience. 

Brown said that at 49 he was the oldest member of the class, fulfilling a longtime dream to become a law enforcement officer, after 25 years in human resources. 

The BLET training was very difficult, he said, but he was able to seize the opportunity with the support of his family. 

“I didn’t know what to expect when I got into it, but I came in prepared and was able to persevere and get a job before I graduated,” said Brown, already wearing his Lee County Sheriff's Department uniform.

He praised the CCCC BLET instructors and leaders, training facilities, and preparation for the state exam.

“At the end of it, all 100% passed,” he said. “Which is the goal.” 

For more information, visit CCCC’s BLET program.

Basic Law Enforcement Training Graduates

Benjamin Josef Anderson

Kaelyn Elizabeth Bass

Tyler Rose Don Billiet

Robert Walter Brown

Claybourne Kelly Cole

Levi Cody Craig

Donald Lynn Dunlap II

Kovin Flores Aguilar

Kevin Gutierrez Zuniga

Phillip Calvin Hunter

John Maxwell Jackson

Brandon William Lawson

Austin Dale Overby

Kristopher Michael Stikeleather

Steve Pham Tran

Collin James Turner

Thomas William Vincent

Trevor Michael Williams