KLETC Graduates 347th Basic Training Class

Today was a special day for the family and friends of the 347th Basic Training Class at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC), as they had the opportunity to watch their loved ones be sworn in as law enforcement officers in the state of Kansas. With their basic training completed, the graduates are now prepared to return home and serve their communities.

KLETC Police Instructor Senior and Class Coordinator Bryan Carey introduced the graduates, followed by Kansas Supreme Court Justice Keynen “K.J.” Wall Jr., who served as the commencement speaker.  While not a part of law enforcement or the executive branch, as a member of the judicial branch who works closely with law enforcement, Justice Wall shared how honored he was to give this commencement address. 

"I wanted to be one of the first to congratulate you on completing what I’m told is 571 hours of training – rigorous training, intensive training – over the last 14 weeks for you to secure your certification.  I think completing that milestone alone is really a true testament to your dedication and commitment to this profession."

Class President Officer Joel Jordan, from the Haysville Police Department, also addressed the audience, speaking about the journey he and his classmates undertook at KLETC. 

"Over the past few weeks, this academy has tested us in every way possible," Jordan said. "Physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, ethically.  We’ve been challenged to dig deeper, push harder, and hold ourselves to higher standards than we thought possible. "

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 347th Basic Training Class:
*Awards in italics

Joseph  Adams, Lyons Police Department

Marcus Blumer, Independence Police Department

Keenan Brown, Emporia Police Department

Abbey Coppola, Wichita State University Police Department

Blake Coyle, Carbondale Police Department

Morgan Edens, Paola Police Department

Trey Hughes, Morris County Sheriff's Office

Cody Johnson, Oswego Police Department

Joel Jordan, Haysville Police Department, Class President

Natacha Mangan, Garden City Police Department

Jesus Marquez, Great Bend Police Department

Brigham Marsmaker,  Pittsburg Police Department

Chase McCoy, Kansas City KS Comm College Campus, Honors

Gunnar Nartker, Garden City Police Department, Fitness

Damian Ortiz, Garden City Police Department

Christopher Phillips, Lansing Police Department

Silas Pineda, Garden City Police Department

Dalton Pruitt,   Maize Police Department

Aaron Rutherford, Wichita State University Police Department

Dustin  Shepard, Burlington Police Department

Paxton  Swanson, Parsons Police Department

Connor Upson, Pawnee County Sheriff's Office