MCC Celebrates BLET Graduates
Published on Wednesday, May 4th, 2022
Eight Basic Law Enforcement Training students celebrated their graduation from MCC’s BLET program on the evening of May 3, 2022. Jason Cranford, Rosie Garcia, Evan Grady, Ashley Hogan, Chris Maness, Brandon Moore, Samuel Richardson and Leslie Wright received their certificates of completion with family members, friends, college administration and trustees in attendance.
BLET Program Director Pete Herron, in his seventh year with the College, welcomed sponsoring agencies, law enforcement guests, instructors, volunteers and alumni of the program dating back to 1977. “This year’s class is exceptional,” said Herron. “Their test scores and performance are among the highest we have ever seen, and we are very proud of their accomplishments.”
In addition to completion certificates, three special awards were given. Dean of Career & Technical Education, Tracey Wyrick, presented the Top Fitness Award to student Evan Grady. Grady achieved the highest overall fitness assessment score combined with the fastest time in the Police Officers Physical Abilities Test.
Vice President of Instruction & Student Services, Lee Proctor, presented the Top Firearms Award to student Samuel Richardson. Richardson attained the highest qualification score in both day, night and combat conditions combined, with a score of 98.3 percent.
College President Dr. Chad Bledsoe presented the Top Academic Award to student Jason Cranford. Starting last September and ending with the State BLET exam administered in April 2022, students completed seven months of rigorous training, completing 37 topics of instruction during 701 hours of instruction. Cranford earned the highest academic average of test scores combined with his State BLET exam score, with an overall average of 95.6.
In addition to the special award presentations, students and guests were treated to a lively and impactful speech given by District Court Judge Phillip Cornett.
MCC has found an impressive niche for its BLET programming with courses running during the evenings and weekends, giving students the opportunity to maintain ongoing daytime income while exploring a new law enforcement career at night. While a minimum of 660 hours of classroom is required, this cohort finished with 701 because of MCC’s access to uniquely-qualified experts and instructors.
MCC’s BLET program occupies a new facility with multimedia classrooms and a physical training center. There is also an on-site firing range and obstacle course for firearms and physical training. Job opportunities for successful graduates include police officer, deputy sheriff, company police officer, campus police officer and state law enforcement officer. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, contact Program Director Pete Herron at herronp6056@montgomery.edu.