KLETC's 362nd Basic Training Class graduates on 25th anniversary of 9/11

HUTCHINSON — On Sept. 11, members of the 362nd Basic Training Class graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Integrity Hall. The ceremony took place 25 years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, giving added meaning to the oath the graduates took and the public trust they accepted.

For the graduates, the anniversary is both a day of remembrance and a reminder of the responsibility carried by those who choose a life of public service. As communities across the nation honored the people who were killed, the first responders who ran toward danger and all who served in the years that followed, Class 362 prepared to begin that same enduring work of protecting others.

Class Coordinator Dave Ohlde introduced the graduates and recognized the discipline, judgment and commitment required to complete the basic training program. State Sen. Stephen Owens addressed the class as the ceremony’s guest speaker.

“You will be given tremendous authority. Use it carefully, fairly and humbly. Treat every person with dignity. Listen before reaching conclusions. Remain calm when others cannot,” Owens said. “As a Kansas senator, I want you to know that the Kansas Legislature stands behind you. We recognize the importance of the work that you do. We have a responsibility to support you and to provide the appropriate resources, protect those who protect our communities and stand behind each one of you as you serve as law enforcement officers.”

Class President Derrick Deason of the Leavenworth Police Department represented his classmates as they marked the completion of their training and prepared to return to the Kansas agencies and communities they will serve.

“As we move forward, let us not forget our highest priority: ensuring that every single officer goes home safely at the end of our shift,” he said. “That is the mission this class signed up for.”

The graduates received certificates attesting to their successful completion of the full-time basic course of instruction. They are certified as Kansas law enforcement officers by the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training.

The Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center has served as Kansas’ central law enforcement training facility and a unit of the University of Kansas since 1968. Under the leadership of Vice Provost and Director of Police Training Darin Beck, KLETC prepares professionals to serve with integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to the people and communities of Kansas.

Awards in italics:

• Ashley Carillo, Seward County Sheriff’s Office, Seward County
• Derrick Deason, Leavenworth Police Department, Leavenworth County: Class President
• Logan Foster, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County
• Christopher Furr, Independence Police Department, Montgomery County
• David Horvath, Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office, Leavenworth County: Fitness
• Curtis Hutsell, Valley Center Police Department, Sedgwick County
• Joshua John, Barber County Sheriff’s Office, Barber County
• Cameron Meyer, Ottawa Police Department, Franklin County: Fitness
• Ethan Newman, Junction City Police Department, Geary County
• Makenzie Newsome, Topeka Public Schools Police Department, Shawnee County
• Elias Olson, Seward County Sheriff’s Office, Seward County: Honors, Fitness
• Anthony Petersen, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County
• Anthony Rubero, Grandview Plaza Police Department, Geary County
• Tejay Scott, Leavenworth Police Department, Leavenworth County: Fitness
• Jake Stacy, Wichita State University Police Department, Sedgwick County
• Bryce Stahlecker, Larned Police Department, Pawnee County
• David Watts, Humboldt Police Department,  Allen County.