RCC’s BLET Day Academy graduates 13 cadets
Robeson Community College recently graduated 13 cadets from its Basic Law Enforcement Training Day Academy in May.
Omar Almazo Martinez, Logan Hunter Bowman, Lena Denise Franks, Sabeth Lynn Hunt, Jarrett Nicholas Locklear, Noah Russell Locklear, Tristan Jim Locklear, Caleb Alexander Malcolm, Joshua Mark McClain, Jeffrey Dalton Millen, Richard Kameron Pino, Cody Allen Rich Tyler, and Steven Czar Watson all completed the requirements for the BLET certificate.
Giving the charge to students was guest speaker, Damien McLean, the chief deputy of the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
“Law enforcement is so much more than enforcing the laws of the land and arresting the suspect,” stated McLean. “You will be counselors, social workers, lawyers, doctors, teachers, uber drivers, mechanics, a toy shopper and if you work at the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office you will become a garbage collector at least 3 times a year (guaranteed during the month of March for Spring Cleaning).”
McLean told the graduates that they would see things throughout their careers that others would never witness in a lifetime, but gave the cadets some good advice.
“You will experience trying days… People will tell you to toughen up … it is part of the job. My advice is… never be too tough to ask for help,” McLean said. “Surround yourself with like-minded people who will have your best interest… personally and mentally. Find yourself a mentor to provide you guidance on this new journey.”
“As law enforcement officers… many will like you and some will hate you. But… at some point, they all will need you,” McLean said. “And when they call… give them your all. When you go home, know that you gave the citizens your best.”
McLean left graduates with a verse of scripture, Joshua 1:9, which states “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest,” and ended by telling graduates to “Go forward…do your best, stay the course and be safe.”
Several awards were given during the ceremony:
Top Gun Award – Joshua McClain
Physical Fitness Award – Lena Franks
Top Driver – Bryan Lee
Honor Graduate – Sabeth Hunt
Scholarship Award – Sabeth Hunt
Robeson Community College is currently seeking applicants for its next BLET day academy, which will begin on August 14. Application packets are available at www.robeson.edu/blet and are due by July 27 at 5:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Matt Dimery at 910-272-3690 or tdimery@robeson.edu.
