MCC Celebrates Graduation of Basic Law Enforcement Training Cohort
Published on Tuesday, July 28th, 2020
Montgomery Community College (MCC) extends hearty congratulations to recent graduates of the College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program. Eleven students completed the seven-month course curriculum in early July: Samantha Belle Allen, Tammy Rick Brady, Christy Lynell Brown, James Lee Brown, Angela Beth Chay, Lucan Eugene Christian, Richard Andrew Ferrante, Karey Marie Hall, Joshua Kane Hall, Grayson Alexander Spivey and Amy Renee Wendler.
Students successfully completed and passed all units of study including a certification examination mandated by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Educational and Training Standards Commission.
“Despite trying circumstances due to the coronavirus epidemic and widespread social upheaval, the cohort demonstrated exceptional focus and commitment,” said BLET Instructor Pete Herron. “It is an extremely fitting and critical time to enter the field of law enforcement. It has never been more important to serve and protect our citizens, and we are very proud of these graduates.” Of the 11, most of these have already secured employment since their graduation just weeks ago.
While several community colleges across the state offer a BLET program, MCC has found in impressive niche for its programming with courses running during the evenings and weekends.
Most students who enter the program are presently employed during the day, but considering a future job change to law enforcement; the program’s scheduling flexibility gives students the opportunity to maintain ongoing income while exploring new career avenues.
The College’s BLET seven-month program features unique programming and instruction, with local law enforcement officers and community leaders involved in the training process. Led by MCC Director Pete Herron, a 22-year veteran of law enforcement, students train in criminal, juvenile, civil, traffic and alcoholic beverage laws; investigative, patrol, custody and court procedures; emergency responses; and ethics and community relations. Job opportunities for successful graduates include police officer, deputy sheriff, company police officer, campus police officer and state law enforcement officer.
MCC’s BLET program occupies a new facility with multimedia classrooms and a physical training center. There is also an on-site firing range and obstacle course for firearms and physical training.