GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Cadets in the 87th class of Wayne Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) were honored for completing the program at a graduation ceremony.
Each graduate successfully completed 868 hours of instruction and earned a certificate that will allow them to work as a sworn law enforcement officer in North Carolina. The class also achieved a 100% pass rate on the state exam required for their certification, passing the test on their first attempt.
During the graduation ceremony, cadet Nicholas Weaver spoke on behalf of the graduating class. “When we stepped into this academy, many of us weren’t sure what to expect,” Weaver said. “We knew it would be challenging and knew it would demand discipline, accountability, and sacrifice, but we didn’t fully understand how much it would help shape us.”
Weaver said the class persevered through the strenuous training that tested them both physically and mentally. “We leaned on each other, we encouraged each other, and we grew, not just as individuals but as a team,” he said.
Dr. Patty Pfeiffer, WCC president, said that the graduates have embraced the demands of a profession that requires both strength and heart. “You’ve gained essential skills, but more importantly, you have demonstrated the values that define an exceptional law enforcement officer—those are honesty, responsibility, empathy, and respect for the communities that you will serve,” she said.
WCC Dean of Applied Technologies Ernie White acknowledged the transformation the graduates have made from students to trained professionals. “This ceremony marks the end of your training, but it also marks the beginning of a lifelong responsibility,” he said. “We’re proud of you, your instructors are proud of you, and the communities will be safer because of the work you will do.”
During the ceremony, awards were presented to graduates for their outstanding performance in certain areas.
Rafe Randal Rice, Jr., earned the Physical Fitness Award for his remarkable growth in the class’s physical training assessment and the Police Officer’s Physical Abilities Test.
The Top Gun Award was presented to Julissa Jaramillo for excelling in the program’s firearms portion, consisting of 96 hours of training.
The Major Jay R. Memmelaar Student Excellence Award was given to Amurr Hamdan 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 encouraged the graduates to go forward with courage, humility, and a commitment to serve. “The journey ahead is not going to be easy, but it will be worth it, and it will be meaningful,” she said. “Wear your badge with pride, and never forget why you chose this path.”
The four BLET graduates, listed by city of residence, are:
Goldsboro
Amurr Ayed Hamdan
Rafe Randal Rice, Jr.
Nicholas Charles Weaver
Princeton
Julissa Jaramillo
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 1,300 students who work for approximately 54 different law enforcement agencies on the local, county, and state levels.
The next BLET academy begins in January. Learn more on WCC’s website.
