College of The Albemarle’s Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Program held a recognition ceremony on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at the Elizabeth City Campus.  Keynote speaker for the event was the Honorable Robert P. Trivette, District Court Judge for the 1st Judicial District of North Carolina.  

Judge Trivette spoke to the graduates stating, “Your career in law enforcement will be built one day at a time.  Strive to ensure that every decision you make is made with integrity and compassion with the information you have.  When an opportunity presents itself, take a risk – step out of your comfort zone.” 

Special recognition was awarded to Blake Cooper as the group’s honor graduate and Brandon Baumgart as “Top Gun”, as he was the best shooter overall in the Firearm Class. 

The ceremony honored the following students, listed by county of residence: 

Camden County: Blake James Cooper.
Chowan County: Daniel Jason McClain.
Currituck County: Timothy Ross Bateman, Jr.
Dare County:  Lauren Danielle Kitchen and James A. Ray, III.
Pasquotank County:  Brandon P. Baumgart, Heather O’Neal-DeLuca, Tonie Diane Goldsmith, Benjamin J. Martin, Stephen M. Tisdale, and Bryan A. Whidbee.
Perquimans County: Justin Chadwick Gray.

Photo Caption:  BLET Gradates from left to right:  Stephen Tisdale, Bryan Whidbee, Daniel McClain, James Ray, III, Tonie Goldsmith, Brandon Baumgart, Heather O’Neal-DeLuca, Benjamin Martin, Lauren Kitchen, Timothy Bateman, Jr., Justin Gray, and Blake Cooper.

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