URGENT UPDATE: Kasey Starnes has officially graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) as part of the 350th Basic Training Class on December 12. This pivotal event took place at Integrity Auditorium in Hutchinson, Kansas, where friends and family gathered to witness the oath of service taken by 20 new law enforcement officers.
This class has completed an intense 14 weeks of training, preparing them to return to their respective agencies across Kansas to serve their communities. This moment marks a significant milestone not only for the graduates but also for the communities they will protect and serve.
During the ceremony, Police Instructor Senior James Buettgenbach introduced the keynote speaker, David “Tyler” Decker, Chief of Police in Fredonia. Decker inspired the recruits with his words, stating,
“Each of you arrived at the academy with a story… united by a single shared purpose — the commitment to serve and protect.”
His message resonated deeply with the graduates, highlighting the importance of their roles in ensuring public safety.
Class President Joshua Gile, also from the Fredonia Police Department, addressed his peers with confidence. “I can say with confidence that the future of law enforcement is in good hands,” Gile asserted. “Hold your heads high. Be proud of what you’ve achieved, and go show your communities the outstanding officers you are.”
KLETC, a vital training institution since 1968, operates under the authority of the University of Kansas and serves as the central training hub for law enforcement officers in the state. Graduates received certificates of completion and certification as law enforcement officers from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s licensing authority.
As these new officers embark on their careers, the impact of their training will resonate throughout Kansas communities, enhancing public safety and fostering trust between law enforcement and citizens. The bonds formed during their training will undoubtedly influence their service in the years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates as these graduates begin their important work in law enforcement across Kansas.
