Group of students posing for a photo flanked by their instructors.

Blue Ridge Hosts Department of Corrections Graduation Ceremony

The graduates of Blue Ridge Community College’s Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC) stand together for a photo following their graduation ceremony. The graduates are flanked by College President Dr. Laura Leatherwood, left, and DOCC School Director David Hensley, right. (Photo credit: Benjamin Rickert, Blue Ridge Community College Marketing and Communications Dept.)

The Blue Ridge Community College Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC) hosted a graduation ceremony for its Summer 2022 graduates on Thursday, July 7, in the College’s Thomas Auditorium.

The list of graduates included Jacob R. Allen, Jonathan P. Baldwin, Samuel E. Garrett, Melisa L. Kane, Gracie N. Nix, Joshua A. Rankin, and Steven A. Starling.

The ceremony included a welcome by Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura Leatherwood, who introduced the keynote speaker, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Captain Todd W. McCrain.

Certificates were awarded by DOCC School Director David Hensley, who congratulated the graduates on their hard work earning their certification.

“As with other aspects of Law Enforcement, we are in great need of professional Detention Officers with integrity, pride, and professionalism to help safeguard those in our detention facilities, and in turn, safeguard the community. It is a great responsibility, and this class has proven they are up to the challenge,” he said.

Following closing remarks by Dean of Public Safety Training Philip Hosmer and a retrieval of colors by the Henderson County Law Enforcement Honor Guard, Hosmer concluded the event by presenting the students as the graduating class of 2022.