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KLETC graduates 20 in 272nd Basic Training Class
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YODER — Twenty new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on Jan. 15 at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium. 

Henry Griffiths of the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Chief Chris Enos from Washburn University. James Buettgenbach, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator for the 272nd Basic Training Class.

Area graduates included Alexander Jacobs, Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and Jarret Knieling, Larned Police Department.

Griffiths was also recognized for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot.” William Carlile from Derby Police Department walked, ran or biked more than 200 miles during his time at KLETC and exceeded the other physical requirements of the 200 Mile Club including push-ups, sit-ups and a timed run. Carlile was honored as a member of the 200 Mile Club, and for his efforts, he received the Fitness Award. 

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. 

The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Lifelong & Professional Education.