HENDERSONVILLE - Blue Ridge Community College hosted a combined Public Safety Training graduation ceremony on May 31 to honor 31 graduates now ready to serve the public. The event honored students and cadets who completed the January to May 2023 cohorts of the Basic Law Enforcement Training, Firefighter I and II, and Emergency Medical Technician programs. Training and serving public safety professionals across Western North Carolina has long been an important role of the College.

Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura Leatherwood commended the graduates for their determination regarding their studies and chosen career paths. 

“We are proud of your courage to stand up and be counted on to protect and serve your communities with the highest level of integrity and professionalism,” Leatherwood said.

The afternoon ceremony included a keynote by Henderson County Emergency Services Director Jimmy Brissie, presentation of class awards, and remarks by class representatives Graham A. Hill, James J. White and Daniel I. Lopez. 

Brissie encouraged the graduates to keep learning, hold loved ones close and build meaningful relationships.

“Soak up everything you can along the way, from those who you train alongside, the ones who guide you as you enter the workforce, and eventually those you will lead,” Brissie said. “We all have something to learn. Regardless of our rank or position, learning never stops.”

The Presentation of Colors was performed by both the Henderson County Law Enforcement Honor Guard and the Henderson County Fire and Rescue Honor Guard. The ceremony took place in the Blue Ridge Conference Hall on the College’s Henderson County Campus.

Learn more about the Public Safety Training programs of Blue Ridge Community College at www.BlueRidge.edu/Public-Safety.

May 2023 Public Safety Training Graduates:

Basic Law Enforcement Training

Firefighter I and II

Emergency Medical Technician

*Class Representative