Events
Law Enforcement Cadets Graduate
RALEIGH, N.C. (March 13, 2024) – A new class of highly trained law enforcement officers are ready to serve and protect. Nearly 20 cadets graduated from Wake Tech's rigorous Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Academy and received certificates and awards Thursday at the Southern Wake Campus.
The new officers will soon be on patrol in communities in Wake County and beyond. All but one graduate has already been hired by a local agency. Several of the cadets wore their new uniforms to the ceremony.
Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls congratulated the cadets for their choice to embark on a career in law enforcement.
"You are entering a noble profession, and your service will shape our community for years to come. We are honored that you chose Wake Tech to begin your law enforcement career."
Wake Tech's BLET program includes 768 hours of training, and cadets are required to pass the Police Officers Physical Ability Test, a timed series of search and rescue, physical agility and mental alertness drills.
Three cadets received special awards for their accomplishments:
- Award of Excellence for Highest Academic Average – Robert James Kuruts
- Johnny Blackman Memorial Award (most physically fit) – Anthony William Notorantonio
- Award of Excellence for Highest Firearms Average – Aaron Blake Turner
- Award for Police Officers Physical Ability Test – Anthony William Noroantonio
Turner, also class sergeant, praised his fellow graduates.
"We have all given blood, sweat and tears to Wake Tech's BLET program over the last 21 weeks. Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time to be guardians and peace makers. It is our turn on watch," he said.
Zebulon Police Chief Jacqui Boykin was the guest speaker for the event and offered the new officers the same advice she gave when she delivered remarks at her own law enforcement graduation nearly 30 years ago.
"You are the next generation of officers," she said. "Take your role seriously and be models for those who come behind you. Congratulations and welcome to the brother and sisterhood. Stay safe."
Boykin was appointed Zebulon police chief in 2020. She earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University and a master's degree in Public Administration from North Carolina State University.
Wake Tech was the first community college in North Carolina – and the second in the nation – to earn CALEA® accreditation for its Public Safety Training Academy. It is the only CALEA®-accredited training academy in the state. CALEA®, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, recognizes best practices and professional excellence in policy and practice.
Wake Tech's Public Safety Education Campus provides training for law enforcement and corrections officers, firefighters, as well as State Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security personnel.
The college is set to open a state-of-the-art Public Safety Simulation Complex at Wake Tech East in Wendell, the college's ninth location in Wake County. The facility will offer comprehensive reality-based training for first responders from across the county, state and other parts of the country. Wake Tech's EMS program will also be offered at the complex.
