YODER — Twenty-five law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on Dec. 9, in a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.

In addressing the students, commencement speaker Emporia Police Department Chief Ed Owens said they’ve been called upon to be stewards of their community. “Each and every day, uniform or not, serve your communities with pride and dedication.”

Class President Caitlin Waits with the Haysville Police Department reflected upon the academy experience and how it was unique to each individual, with one constant theme. “Before I came to KLETC, I was told the academy is what you make of it. I believe that word of advice from my co-workers rings true for everyone on this stage.” 

Waits went on to say that throughout the 14 weeks in basic training the class learned together, struggled together, and grew together. 

Under the authority of Executive Director 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.

Local graduates are Lane Elmore and Jonathan Parsons, both of the Great Bend Police Department.