Robeson Community College graduates 17 cadets from BLET

This week 17 cadets graduated from the Fall 2021 Basic Law Enforcement Training program at Robeson Community College.

“I want to congratulate these cadets that have worked extremely hard to get to this day,” said Patrick Jacques, dean of applied technology and public safety at RCC. “They have 685 hours that they put into this. Cadets spend a lot of hours in the classroom, they do PT every morning at 6 am, they spend time on the range, the driving course, and then in other training areas. They do a lot to get here and this is just the start.”

Many of these graduates already have jobs and will now be entering the workforce as law enforcement officers. One graduate, now Deputy Daniel Snider, just accepted a position at the Bladen County’s Sherriff’s Office.

“Once they finish this program, they will go out into this community to serve and protect those who can’t do it themselves. It is a noble profession and it is not an easy path,” said Jacques. “I admire these 17 cadets that have put in this time and are starting a new path in their life.”

Rudy T. Locklear, the director of the BLET and criminal justice programs at RCC said during the ceremony, “We are very thankful to have the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of these men and women after 16 weeks to recognize the hard work of these 17 cadets, soon to be law enforcement officers who have persevered.”

Locklear added that it hasn’t been easy for the cadets, or their families, but he asked that they continue to support them and the career path they have chosen.

“I’m proud of each and every one of you. Never forget that every day is a blessing and an opportunity. Every day is an opportunity to serve the citizens of this great state and make a difference,” said Locklear. “You have a special bond with your Robeson community college family that will be with you forever”

Cadets were reminded that being a police officer is about the mission and a life of public service.

“Each one of you has the potential to accomplish great things,” said Locklear. “I challenge each of you to go out there and make a difference and have a positive impact in your communities. Never forget being a good law enforcement officer also starts with being a good person.”

Greg Bullard, Superior Court Judge for Robeson County was a guest speaker during the ceremony. He told graduates these are challenging times for police officers, but that they have reached a remarkable milestone.

“A call to be a law enforcement officer is unlike any other. Truly you have to be called,” said Bullard. “I must remind you just how important law enforcement is. As a law enforcement officer, you are the body between the community and the judicial system.”

Bullard continued by saying, “First you are a voice of those who have been harmed. Their narrative cannot make it into the judicial system without you…. You are the only way those subverting the law and risking the lives of others, can be brought before the judicial system.”

Bullard talked about the many cases he has had brought before him, and how the testimony of a police officer has made the difference.

“It is not your job to judge or convict but to bring them before the judicial system and for that, you are truly essential,” said Bullard. “Justice is the most essential component of the law. It is not simply a word on a page, an intangible idea… it is a living breathing evolving object of our pursuit of justice….Justice is not only the end goal, it must be pursued at every stage.”  

The 17 cadets who graduated are as follows: Jimmy Bell, Marc Conner, Joquin Cooper, Jose Garcia Lopez, Tyler Graham, Michael Hodge, Mikayla Jones, Joseph Kitchens, Jason Locklear, Madaleine Locklear, Preston Locklear, Donel MacCallum, John Reaves, Christopher Richardson, Jessica Smith, Daniel Snider, and David Walker.   

The college is accepting applications for its next BLET academy. A day academy will begin January 10 and the night academy will begin March 14. Application packets are due by December 17. Tuition for the program is free, and financial aid for textbooks and uniforms may be covered by financial aid. Students who successfully complete the BLET program can earn up to 20 credit hours towards a degree in criminal justice. For more information on the program, please contact Rudy T. Locklear at 910-272-3480 or rudlocklear@robeson.edu