Nine Basic Law Enforcement Training students were recognized for successfully completing the 620-hour course of study at Martin Community College on July 17. The BLET program is part of MCC’s Continuing Education division.

Those recognized included Kevin Lynn Beck, Deon Treyquon Bryant, Elwood Earl Davenport III, Brandon Lee Downs, Kiara Chante Heckstall, Nicolas Clay Jannise, Timothy Allen Osborne, TyKelli Jequa Perry and Torie Anthony Young. Osborne resides in Beaufort County.

Upon course completion, these cadets are now eligible to take the state comprehensive examination. On passing this test, they become eligible for employment in nearly all North Carolina law enforcement agencies. Five of the cadets are already working in law enforcement or have already been offered positions pending passage of the exam.

Program Director Wayland Mitchell welcomed the audience comprised of friends, families of the cadets and instructors. He praised the students for their hard work and determination over the past six months.

Guest speaker Miltonia Cameron, the Assistant District Attorney for North Carolina’s 1st Judicial District, based in Elizabeth City, offered words of encouragement to the cadets. Cameron also taught many of the cadet’s classes related to judicial procedures. She holds the state record for successful convictions in one year. Her parents own Moore and Moore law firm in Williamston.

Cameron spoke about the characteristics of public service and noted that it is a profession which “attracts people who wish to give something to the pubic or wider community through their work,” but reminded the cadets that they “must balance learning with serving” to be effective.

Cameron went on to say, “Director Mitchell’s program is designed to serve as a trampoline that will launch you into law enforcement employment. … Your training has equipped you with critical knowledge to apply in real world situations and to become a social problem solver.

“I challenge you to remember the many lessons imparted to you by the BLET instructional staff, but most especially the importance of honesty and integrity in all that you do.”

Before closing, Cameron reminded the cadets to “… move forward as stepping stones, not as stumbling blocks.”

BLET Instructor, East Carolina University police officer and MCC alumna Tamesha Woolard then presented the certificates to the cadets. Two special awards were also bestowed on two students who went above and beyond the call of duty in the course of their studies. Elwood Davenport of Washington County received the Iron Man award for his ability to handle the program’s demanding physical fitness training. Tim Osborne from Beaufort County was recognized for his academic achievements. Mitchell noted that Osborne was always asking thought-provoking questions and making everyone think hard about what they were doing and why.

Class Sgt. Torie Young closed the program with his remarks and general observations about the past six months of training. He said, “We became a family. We will rely on each other. I am here for you.”

The NC BLET program covers 620 hours of study within 36 total blocks of instruction including: Physical Fitness, Firearms, Law Enforcement Driving Training, Laws of Arrest, Search and Seizure, Motor Vehicle Law, Techniques of Traffic Enforcement, Patrol Techniques, Sheriff’s Responsibilities, Rapid Deployment, etc. The course contains the most current law enforcement information available and is filled with practical exercises and an extensive ethics section that is woven throughout the training experience. It takes approximately 16 weeks to complete and concludes with a comprehensive written exam and skills testing. This course of study is mandated by the state for all certified law enforcement officers and is offered through the Division of Continuing Education at Martin Community College.

MCC offers its BLET courses every six months. Those interested in applying for admission to the BLET program must complete and submit a packet of information and forms. The packets may be obtained in person from Wayland Mitchell or online at www.martincc.edu. To obtain a packet or for more information about the BLET program at MCC, contact Mitchell at wmitchell@martincc.edu or 252-789-0267.