Featured Photo: Blue Ridge Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training and Detention Officer Academy graduates are honored at a ceremony on December 7. Pictured left to right – (front row) Philip Hosmer, Stephen M. Hendrix, Dakota M.Tittle, Tristan J. Mercado, Serena Luckey-Rodgers, Brittany N. Maybin, Dr. Laura Leatherwood, (back row) David Hensley, Joseph E. Zub, Timothy Smith, Caleb R. Brown, Sydney C. Interlicchia, Joshua C. Watson, Jose D. Gonzalez, and Marcy Parsens. (File photo by Rich Keen, Marketing & Communications Dept.)
Marketing and Communications Dept.
The Blue Ridge Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Academy and the Detention Officer Academy hosted a pinning ceremony for Fall 2022 graduates on December 7. It was the College’s 41st graduating BLET class.
The ceremony included a keynote address by Henderson County Sheriff Lowell Griffin, a presentation of class awards, remarks by class representative Dakota Tittle, and an awarding of certificates.
“The true backbone of this class was the teamwork and comradery between my classmates,” Tittle said. “I could not be prouder of the group of people that I have started my journey with, and the instructors that we can now proudly call our coworkers.”
Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood spoke to the graduates as well.
“It is an honor to be a part of this important day with you. Each of you has chosen a career path that is vital to the fabric of our great state and nation,” Dr. Leatherwood said. “Your choice to serve will make our communities safer and stronger.”
Sydney C. Interlicchia was presented with the Most Improved Physical Training Award, and Tristan Mercado received the Top Physical Training for the Police Officer Physical Abilities Test Award. The Informal Leadership Award and Top Academic Award were both received by Dakota Tittle. The Top Gun Award went to Joshua Watson, and the Most Influential Instructor Award was presented to Trooper Spero Davis.
The list of graduates included:
Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy
Caleb R. Brown
Brandon C. Cates
Jose D. Gonzalez
Stephen M. Hendrix
Sydney C. Interlicchia
Brittany N. Maybin
Tristan J. Mercado
Serena Luckey-Rodgers
Timothy W. Smith
Dakota M.Tittle
Joshua C. Watson
Joseph E. Zub
Detention Officer Certification Academy
Brandon C. Brissey
David R. Kennemar
Mary E. Ramey