Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center Graduates 323rd Basic Training Class

Twenty new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on April 5, 2024, in a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.  KLETC Police Instructor Senior Michael Turenne was the class coordinator for the graduating class, and the commencement speaker for the ceremony was United States Senator Roger Marshall, M.D.

As a 5^th generation farm kid and son of a small-town police chief, Senator Marshall admires those who put their lives on the line to protect and serve.   “As you stand here, adorned in your uniforms, you embody the promise of service and protection to our communities.”  Throughout his remarks, Senator Marshall reflected on the world of law enforcement today versus when he was a child; the challenges faced by law enforcement, and his support of law enforcement officers and the common belief that law and order is necessary for a society to survive.

In closing, Senator Marshall reminded the graduates they do not walk alone and are part of a proud tradition of law enforcement officers who stand united in their dedication to the greater good.  “The badge you now wear is more than just a symbol – it is a beacon of hope, a shield of protection, and a testament to your commitment to serve and protect.  May you wear it with pride, honor, and humility as you embark on this noble calling.”

Under the authority of Vice Provost and Director of Police Training Darin Beck, 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.

The following are the graduates of the 323rd basic training class:

*Award recipient

Jason Bevan - Sumner County Sheriff's Office

Christopher Bixenman - Russell Police Department

Blaine Blackburn - Harper County Sheriff's Office

John Cancelada - Wamego Police Department
*Honors

Cade Carson - Kansas State University Police Department

William Cook - Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
*Class President, Fitness

Korbin Copher - Galena Police Department

Justin Counts - Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
*Fitness

Hayden Hirschey - Riley County Police Department

Brandon Huskey - Kansas City KS Comm College Campus

Dawson Manning - Butler County Sheriff's Office

Bernabe Mendoza - Saline County Sheriff's Office
*Fitness

Baylee Mouw - Saline County Sheriff's Office

Stephen Nicholson - Riley County Police Department
*Fitness

Noah Ortego - Edwardsville Police Department

Christian Rodriguez - Scott City Police Department

Andrea Smith - Osage City Police Department

Jonathan Soto - Dodge City Police Department

Jeffery Spencer - Saline County Sheriff's Office

Ethan Stephenson - Arkansas City Police Department

Photos by Jeff Tuttle