337th Basic Training Class Graduates from KLETC, Ready to Serve Kansas Communities

Today was a special day for the family and friends of the 337th Basic Training Class at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC), as they had the privilege of watching their loved ones be sworn in as law enforcement officers in the state of Kansas. With their training complete, the graduates are now prepared to return home and serve their communities.

KLETC Assistant Director Michael Turenne introduced the graduates, followed by Hutchinson Police Chief Brice Burlie, who served as the commencement speaker. After reflecting on his own time at the academy, Chief Burlie left the graduates with an important message as they embarked on their careers.

"As you stand bravely in the line of duty to safeguard your communities, always remember to make self -care a daily priority," he said. "It is crucial to acknowledge the vital role your emotional, mental, and physical well- being play in your ability to effectively serve. You are the most cherished asset each community in Kansas possesses."

Class President Officer Kartman Highley, from the Pleasanton Police Department, also addressed the audience, speaking about the journey he and his classmates undertook at KLETC. He reminded them of the resilience and unity they developed during their training.

"It was during our toughest moments that we discovered our true strength, our ability to work as a team, and our fierce dedication to our values," Highley said. "We have become proficient at confronting adversity with empathy and compassion, and we will carry these lessons forward as we fulfill our promise to our communities."

Under the authority of Vice Provost and Director of Police Training Darin Beck, graduates received certificates attesting 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.

The following are the graduates of the 337th Basic Training Class:

Kayci Breese, Riley County Police Department

Bradley Briggs, Park City Police Department Sedgwick

Korbin Buck, Overland Park Police Department     

Travis Bussen, University of Kansas Med Center Police Dept

Stephen Clark, Riley County Police Department

James Ediger, Meade County Sheriff's Office

Braden Frasier, Republic County Sheriff's Office   

Noah Gentry, Liberal Police Department  

Zackary Hann, Riley County Police Department     

Nicholas Harding, Chase County Sheriff's Office   

Richard Hernandez-Estrada, University of Kansas Police Department

Kartman Highley, Pleasanton Police Department, Class President

Nsinga Ibobo, Kansas City KS Comm College Campus        

Matthew Jackson, Hutchinson Police Department 

Zackary Jerred, Paola Police Department 

Christopher Lockey, Derby Police Department      

Montana McCullough, Barber County Sheriff's Office          

Drake Miller, Overland Park Police Department     

James Nightengale, Dodge City Police Department

Kiel Orrison, Hutchinson Police Department

Christopher Pursley, Miami County Sheriff's Office

Christian Roberts, Riley County Police Department

Kody Stapleton, Rush County Sheriff's Office

Austin White, Riley County Police Department

Kaden Whitehurst, Garden City Police Department