364th Basic Training Class graduates from Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center
HUTCHINSON — After 14 weeks of work, students in the 364th Basic Training Class at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center had two things on their minds: going home to see friends and family and graduating.
Community members and law enforcement personnel filled Integrity Hall on Oct. 23 to watch the 21 students take the oath and become the newest members of the law enforcement community.
Police Instructor Brian Mock introduced the class, and State Sen. Michael Fagg addressed the graduates, reminding them of the responsibility that comes with a career in law enforcement.
“There will be days when the job is difficult, when the decisions you make carry great consequences and when the people you serve may not understand the sacrifices you make. In those moments, remember why you chose this path. You chose to serve. You chose to protect. You chose to stand up for those who may not be able to stand up for themselves,” he said.
Fagg emphasized that effective policing requires more than enforcing the law.
“Being a police officer is not simply about enforcing the law. It is about building trust, showing compassion, treating people with dignity and making a difference in the lives of others,” he said.
Class President Officer Jacob Iverson of the McLouth Police Department reflected on the discipline required to complete the training and begin a career in law enforcement.
“We learned firsthand that discipline isn’t something you turn on only when you feel like it. It’s showing up when you’re mentally beat, exhausted, and complacency is knocking at the door.
“That is why I couldn’t be prouder to stand up here with these men and women. It has been a true honor and privilege to be part of this class.”
The Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, a division of the University of Kansas since 1968, serves as the state’s central training agency for law enforcement officers.
Under the authority of Darin Beck, vice provost and director of police training, graduates received certificates attesting to the satisfactory completion of a full-time basic course of instruction and certification as Kansas law enforcement officers from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority.
Graduates of the 364th Basic Training Class
Awards in italics:
- Jessica Alspaugh, Galena Police Department, Cherokee County
- David Begaye, Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police, Jackson County: Director's Award
- Caden Burris, McPherson County Sheriff's Office, McPherson County: Fitness
- Abigail Bussen, Finney County Sheriff's Office, Finney County: Fitness
- Vincent Cappetti, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Hamilton County: Fitness
- Joshua Chambers, Chapman Police Department, Dickinson County
- Andrew Espinoza, Merriam Police Department, Johnson County: Honors Award
- Gregory Estes, Tonganoxie Police Department, Leavenworth County
- Tyler Foster, Salina Police Department, Saline County: Fitness
- Bryce Gage, Louisburg Police Department, Miami County
- Jacob Iverson, McLouth Police Department, Jefferson County: Class President
- Delilah Jimenez, Leavenworth Police Department, Leavenworth County
- Trent Jordan, Abilene Police Department, Dickinson County
- Keegan Lott, Salina Police Department, Saline County: Fitness, Most Miles
- Micah Poovey, Iola Police Department, Allen County
- Jaylon Pride, Leavenworth Police Department, Leavenworth County
- Kyle Smith, Reno County Sheriff's Office, Reno County
- Amanda Tiernan, Salina Police Department, Saline County
- Tanya Whan, Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, Security Division, Shawnee County
- Anna Wilbeck, Newton Police Department, Harvey County: Fitness, Most Improved
- Robert Ybarra, South Hutchinson Police Department, Reno County.
