Daniel Snider drove over 160 miles a day to complete BLET at RCC
Dedication, determination, and perseverance would be words you could use to describe Daniel Snider, a recent graduate of the basic law enforcement program at Robeson Community College.
Not only did Daniel complete the BLET program with flying colors, but he was chosen to be the student speaker for his class graduation, and he never missed class despite driving over 160 miles to and from school, every day.
“I drove for over 5 months for an hour and a half one way for the Basic Law Enforcement Training,” said Daniel, who lives along the Pender County / New Hanover County line, close to Wilmington.
As Daniel admits, BLET is not an easy program to pass.
“I chose RCC personally, but I didn’t quite know what I was getting into,” said Daniel of when he first started the program.
“It’s probably the toughest academy there is, but I really enjoyed it.”
The BLET academy at Robeson Community College is rigorous. It meets five days a week, Monday through Friday, with class beginning at 5:45 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and from 8am to 6pm on Monday and Friday. Cadets are expected to do strenuous physical fitness activities, pass agility fitness exams, endure training such as being sprayed with OC spray in the eyes, as well study laws, rules, and regulations that police officers are required to know.
Daniel said he learned about the program while working at a jail in New Hanover County and that the program had a great reputation.
“The program is top-notch, the instructors really help you get through it,” said David. “I knew that you would be guaranteed a job if you graduated from there.”
And for Daniel, that became true when he accepted an offer with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Department earlier this year.
But to get to that point Daniel says, “It took a lot of personal sacrifice.”
Daniel says that there were even a few times that the director of BLET helped him find a place to stay for the night, so that he wouldn’t have to make the commute.
“The resources they provide…for me they did all they could to accommodate my schedule, to help me find a job, and with finding financial aid and grants.”
And, even now after finishing the program, Daniel says he knows that he can still count on Robeson Community College being there to help him if he needs it. He encourages others who are interested in a career in a law enforcement to contact RCC.
“I would call them up and let them know your situation, and just talk with the director. They did a lot to help me and I know that they did a lot to help others.”
After driving for over 160 miles a day for five months, Daniel says without a doubt, “Robeson Community College was worth the drive.”
The next day academy at RCC starts August 15, however application packets are due by July 28. Tuition is free with required sponsorship and financial aid may be available for books and uniforms. For more information on the program, please contact Rudy T. Locklear at (910) 272-3480 or rudlocklear@robeson.edu.
Daniel Snider signs on with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office.
