One hundred classes strong: RCC celebrates milestone BLET graduation

Randolph Community College (RCC) celebrated a major milestone Tuesday, June 16, as cadets from its 100th Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) class graduated during a ceremony in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium, marking more than five decades of preparing law enforcement officers for service across North Carolina.

The historic achievement comes as RCC's BLET Program continues to build on a record of success. The College's two most recent classes achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the state comprehensive exam under North Carolina's expanded BLET standards, while enrollment in the program continues to grow and investments in the College’s Emergency Services Training Center position RCC for future expansion.

The graduating class included 16 cadets representing law enforcement agencies across Randolph and Chatham counties, including the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Asheboro Police Department, Randleman Police Department, Archdale Police Department, Siler City Police Department, and Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.

RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan welcomed graduates, families, instructors, and agency representatives during the ceremony, recognizing the dedication required to complete the intensive training program and the important role law enforcement officers play in serving their communities.

“Where Access leads to Success, excellence must follow,” Ardalan said. “As North Carolina raised training standards and expanded curriculum requirements, our faculty and staff responded by strengthening an already outstanding program. The result has been continued growth, consecutive 100 percent pass rates, and graduates who are exceptionally prepared to serve their communities. Reaching our 100th BLET class is an important milestone, but what matters most is the impact these officers will have across our region for years to come.”

BLET School Director Richard Thompson said the graduation reflects decades of commitment from instructors, agency partners, and graduates who helped build the program.

“The 100th graduation is a monumental day for this College,” Thompson said. “We stand on the foundation built by generations of instructors, graduates, and law enforcement leaders who dedicated themselves to preparing the next generation of officers.”

Since its inception, RCC's BLET program has trained more than 1,500 sworn law enforcement officers, including numerous supervisors, chiefs, and sheriffs serving communities throughout North Carolina.

Class Leader Jaimie Bonhomme reflected on the responsibility that comes with a career in law enforcement.

“The badge is more than a symbol of authority,” he said. “It is a symbol of trust, and it is our responsibility to earn that trust every day.”

Retired Liberty Police Chief Jerry Brown delivered the keynote address. A member of the September 1978 BLET Class, Brown served as an Alcohol Law Enforcement Officer before joining the LPD and taught RCC's first ABC Laws class in 1978. He remains the College’s longest-serving instructor, continuing to teach Firearms and Compliance and Control Techniques.

“Your greatest tools will not be on your duty belt,” Brown said. “Your greatest tools are your character, your empathy for others, and your steadfast commitment to the truth.”

Three cadets were recognized for outstanding achievement during the program. Ian Katz received the Police Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT) and Academic awards, Alex Minish earned the Col. F. Rutledge Top Gun Award, and Bonhomme received the Outstanding Resiliency Award.

The milestone comes as Randolph Community College prepares to reopen its renovated Emergency Services Training Center in Randleman. The project represents more than $1 million in facility improvements designed to enhance training opportunities for future law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel.

Randolph County Board of Commissioners Chairman Darrell Frye and RCC Board of Trustees Chair Reynolds Lisk have both been longtime supporters of the College’s public safety training programs and their role in serving the community.

“The work being done through RCC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training Program is incredibly important," Lisk said. “This program has a direct impact on our communities by preparing dedicated public servants who make a difference every day. It is one of the many ways Randolph Community College serves as a special and essential resource for our region.”

“The success of this program has a direct impact on public safety throughout Randolph County and beyond,” Frye added. “For 100 classes, RCC has helped develop highly trained officers who serve and protect our communities, and that is something we can all be proud of.”

###

About Randolph Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training Program: Randolph Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Program prepares cadets for entry-level employment as law enforcement officers with state, county, municipal, and private agencies. The 880-hour certificate program combines classroom instruction, hands-on skills training, physical fitness, and preparation for the state comprehensive exam, with coursework covering patrol procedures, investigations, ethics, community relations, firearms safety, de-escalation, and criminal, juvenile, traffic, and alcoholic beverage laws. Training is held at RCC’s Emergency Services Training Center in Randleman, a hands-on facility designed for public safety education.

###

About Randolph Community College: Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. To register, visit randolph.edu/register or call 336-633-0200 and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.