KLETC’s 338th Basic Training Class Graduates, Ready to Serve

As people filled Integrity Auditorium, the 338th Basic Training Class at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) reflected on their 14 weeks on campus. As the students took to the stage, family and friends had the chance to watch their favorite KLETC graduate sworn in to be ready to return to their communities as law enforcement officers.

KLETC Police Instructor Senior James Buettgenbach, the Class Coordinator, introduced the graduates, followed by Sheriff Justin Cordry of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Cordry addressed the class, offering them tips for success and sharing how those strategies helped him in his career.

“Preparing applies to every facet of your life, and while no plan survives first contact, preparing and having a plan to act upon is always better than no plan at all,” he said.

Class President Officer Timothy Ames of the Altamont Police Department also spoke at the commencement, recalling the nickname "Polar Patrol" that the class earned over the 14 weeks due to the cold temperatures. He shared his thoughts on his classmates:

“We support each other, push each other to do better, and shared a lot of laughs along the way. I have no doubt that every one of these officers will continue to serve this profession with honor for years to come. Anyone in a crisis would be incredibly fortunate to have any one of 338 by their side.”

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 338th basic training class:

*Awards and honors in italic

Timothy Ames, Altamont Police Department, Class President   

Jason Balver, Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office, Fitness

Kylie Cordry, Washington County Sheriff's Office 

Michael Degonish, Haskell County Sheriff's Office  

Matthew Doane, Bonner Springs Police Department

Anna Eddy, Finney County Sheriff's Office   

Jedediah Ewing, Phillips County Sheriff's Office      

Ashlyn Ferguson, Frontenac Police Department         

Nicholas Hamersky, Newton Police Department

Simon Hiebert, Reno County Sheriff's Office

Iansun Hyrst, Anthony Police Department

Gabriel Jones, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks       

Zachary Kissick, Scott City Police Department

Calvin Latham, Neodesha Police Department

Joshua Niles, Smith Center Police Department

Sean Randall, Arkansas City Police Department

Trace Reed, Ellsworth Police Department      

Brendan Reisch, Andover Police Department            

Teely Signer, Elk County Sheriff's Office

Jacob Skaggs, Fort Scott Police Department  

Cecilia Trent, Wellington Police Department, Fitness