Law Enforcement Cadets Graduate | Wake Technical Community College

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 9, 2022) – A new round of highly trained and dedicated law enforcement officers will soon be on patrol in Wake County and beyond. Wake Tech honored 21 cadets from the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Academy today during a graduation ceremony at the Public Safety Education Campus. Graduates received certificates and awards in front of proud family and friends.

Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls congratulated the cadets for their commitment to law enforcement.

“What you have accomplished has not been easy,” said Dr. Ralls. “We honor and celebrate your choice to enter the law enforcement profession. It is a heroic choice to serve and protect our community and we thank you for that.”

Wake Tech’s rigorous BLET program includes 768 hours of training and cadets are required to pass the Police Officers Physical Ability Test (POPAT), a timed series of search and rescue, physical agility, and mental alertness drills.

Four cadets received awards for their accomplishments:

Highest Academic Award- Justin Kosobucki, Nichole Edwards

Johnny Blackman Physical Fitness Award – Justin Kosobucki, Justin Bentkowski

Highest Firearms Average Top Gun Award – Justin Kosobucki, Francis Taylor

Wake Tech also recognized graduates Dashun Moore and Nichole Edwards with a special award named in honor of Knightdale Police Officer Ryan Hayworth, a Wake Tech BLET graduate who was killed in the line of duty last year. Officer Hayworth’s parents were on hand to present the award named after their son.

“Ryan was known for his leadership, integrity, courage, willingness to help others, kindness, empathy, generosity, humility, honesty and faith,” said Jon Gregory, dean of Public Safety Education and Training at Wake Tech. “This award recognizes cadets who demonstrate these characteristics.”

Cadet Nichole Edwards, who is also class sergeant, praised her fellow graduates. “I am so proud of every cadet here. I know each one of you will be a wonderful officer wherever you go.”

Adjunct instructor Mikael Gross was the guest speaker for the event and offered graduates some advice.

“Treat everyone with respect and be trustworthy,” said Gross. “Use every opportunity to lead by example and strive for excellence. Also make sure you take care of yourself and your family.”

Gross instructs new and seasoned law enforcement officers in the laws of arrest, search and seizure, constitutional law, elements of criminal law, civil process and motor vehicle law. He is also an attorney in Raleigh.

In addition to the cadets, one limited enrollee student was recognized at the event. The student completed selected training hours required by the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission as an out of state transfer.

Wake Tech was the first community college in North Carolina – and the second in the nation – to earn CALEA® accreditation for its Public Safety Training Academy. CALEA®, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, recognizes best practices and professional excellence in policy and practice. The Public Safety Education Campus provides training for law enforcement and corrections officers, firefighters and EMS personnel, as well as SBI and Homeland Security personnel.

The next round of BLET training begins in July. To learn more about basic law enforcement training at Wake Tech, visit blet.waketech.edu.