Three dozen 男人藏精阁Basic Law Enforcement Training students completed their training and passed their state exams in December, with some of them continuing a family tradition in the profession.
Jamil Hawes, who used to work at the Buncombe County jail, decided to follow his sister Lakeisha鈥檚 career path. She is currently an officer at the Asheville Police Department.
鈥淚 wanted to help my community,鈥 Hawes said. He also said his mother encouraged him in his quest for a new career. The 男人藏精阁Police Department sponsored Hawes鈥 training and has offered him a full-time job as an officer.
A total of 36 graduates from the summer day class and spring night class were honored in a ceremony at the College after each of the cadets passed a 300-question, six-unit certification exam.
Retiring 男人藏精阁President Dennis King was one of the guest speakers with Mars Hill Police Chief Michael Garrison. King passed on seven pieces of advice to the graduates, which included celebrating successes, being humble, ethical, and open to change.
Graduate Garrett Elkins said he always wanted to follow in his father鈥檚 footsteps. Captain John Elkins of the Buncombe County Sheriff鈥檚 Department said, 鈥淚t鈥檚 not an easy decision to make and it鈥檚 a tough career choice. I鈥檓 blessed to have a son who wanted to do this.鈥
In addition to Elkins, graduates with family ties in policing included Randall Dalton Sorrells, son of recently retired Major Randall Sorrells, and Tanner Scott Bissinger another son of a retired Sheriff鈥檚 deputy. Their fathers worked for the Sheriff鈥檚 Department together and were able to watch their sons graduate in the same class.