December 16, 2024 – The community just got a little safer thanks to 15 new graduates of the Basic Law Enforcement Training program at Davidson-Davie Community College. The graduates were recognized recently during a ceremony at the Mary E. Rittling Conference Center, celebrating the 150th session of the program.
Davidson County Sheriff Richie Simmons delivered a poignant graduation address, encouraging graduates to be in the top 10 percent of law enforcement officers who strive to go above and beyond. “You’re going to see a lot of things you’ve never seen before,” Simmons noted. “It’s a day and time like never before. … You have to be the best you possibly can be. Get to know people; get these people home to make this world a better place.”
He encouraged students to give back to the profession and to become an example to others, adding that law enforcement needs strong men and women to make America a better place. “It’s just the beginning for you. You are rookies. Learn all you can; be a sponge,” he said. “This world needs more heroes and I’m hoping you can be just that.”
Graduates of the program, which began at the college in the 1960s, have instant employment upon completion. The BLET program includes 660 hours of instruction, including skills sessions as well as 36 topics that students are required to successfully complete in order to gain state certification eligibility.
Brandon Leonard, 150th Session Class Leader, expressed gratitude to faculty, staff and BLET directors for shaping their futures as law enforcement officers and teaching them what it takes to be successful. “We have a profound sense of responsibility,” Leonard said. “We are now prepared to answer the call to serve, protect and uphold the law with integrity and respect.”
Graduates in the 150th ceremony included:
Special recognitions went to: Connor Eaton, who obtained the highest firearms average with a score of 99.3. He also had the highest score for the police officer agility test, completing it in 4.05 minutes – well below the 8-minute time limit. Brandon Leonard was honored for having the highest test average with a 94.17, as well as the highest BLET exam score with a 90.67. Russell Jones was honored for scoring a rare 100 on a unit exam.
The ceremony also honored and celebrated Major Ronnie Phillips, program director for BLET, who announced his retirement after serving the college as program director for nearly 17 years.
Phillips has a long history with the college and in fact first visited in 1975 as part of a high school career day program. He returned in 1976 and served as student body president during his time at the college before graduating in 1979. He then enrolled in the BLET program and was part of the 13th graduating class in 1980. He served the Thomasville Police Department for 30 years, then returned to Davidson-Davie, where he instructed BLET courses then later led the program. During his tenure as director from 2008 to present, Phillips oversaw more than 500 students graduate the BLET program.
“He leaves behind a true legacy,” said Dr. Jonathan Brown, vice president of Workforce and Community Engagement, who introduced him at the ceremony. “We have a top-notch BLET program that is well-respected locally and statewide. He will be deeply missed.”
Phillips noted that the evening was about the students but joked that the 150th class gave him the best Christmas present – a 100 percent pass rate on the state exam. “I’ve had a great staff the entire time and they deserve all the credit,” Phillips said. “I appreciate the college supporting the BLET program through all these years.”
Davidson-Davie Community College (www.DavidsonDavie.edu), which incorporated Davie County into its name in 2021, is a fully accredited, multi-campus college where students of all ages and backgrounds pursue academic and career-focused education in order to build successful futures. As one of 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System, Davidson-Davie offers more than 40 degree and professional certificate programs, as well as affordable college-credit coursework to students who plan to transfer to four-year schools. With a mission to serve the changing needs of students competing in a global environment, Davidson-Davie is committed to quality education, innovative and equitable learning experiences, training, and support across a wide range of 21st-century career fields.
Jared Bowman
Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications
336.224.4664
Jared_Bowman@DavidsonDavie.edu