HCC's BLET Academy graduates 40^th class

Halifax Community College (HCC) Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) cadets graduated in a ceremony on campus, May 18. This marked HCC’s 40^th BLET Academy graduation. Northampton County Sheriff’s Office provided the Honor Guard.

Graduates included Cadet Monte Arrington, Cadet Andrew Belgreat, Deputy David Brown, Cadet Jeff Davis, Cadet Justin Harris, Cadet Desty Heikens, Cadet William Lewter, Cadet Dustin Peoples and Cadet Clifton Whitby.

Awards and recognition were also presented. Cadet Jeff Davis was recognized as class president. The Academic Excellence award went to Cadet Monte Arrington who also earned the Top Driver award. Deputy David Brown garnered the Top Gun award. Cadet Andrew Belgreat earned the Outstanding Cadet award. Cadet Justin Harris garnered the Physical Fitness award.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh gave the keynote address. “Being a law enforcement officer is one of the most rewarding experiences in my life...Public service is one of the most honorable positions a person can have,” said Fitzhugh. He explained that while most of the time the job consists of servicing your community and basic duties, about two percent can be a terror. “Face your fears head on... Keep your heads up,” he added.

Fitzhugh gave some pointers to graduates. These included: be realistic and make a difference one person at a time, prioritize, do not jeopardize your family or career, draw on resources, be sociable, challenge oneself, learn new things, ask questions, operate ethically, know oneself, get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, celebrate victories and drop unreasonable expectations, to name a few.

He also talked about report writing and keeping one’s finances in order. “Remember, it’s a call to duty,” Fitzhugh concluded.

	Basic Law Enforcement Training cadets graduated from HCC’s 40th Academy, May 18. Pictured, front row from left, Cadet William Lewter, Cadet Clifton Whitby, Cadet Desty Heikens, Cadet Jeff Davis, Cadet Andrew Belgreat; back row, Cadet Justin Peoples, Deputy David Brown, Cadet Justin Harris and Cadet Monte Arrington.