HUTCHINSON — Family members, friends and law enforcement leaders gathered July 10 at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center to celebrate the graduation of the 359th Basic Training Class as new officers took the oath of office and began their careers serving communities across Kansas. A local graduate was Janessa Howard, Great Bend Police Department.

The graduation ceremony, held in Integrity Hall on the KLETC campus, marked the completion of the state’s basic law enforcement training program. The graduates now begin their careers representing law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas.

Bryan Carey, police instructor senior, introduced the graduating class before Scott Braun, Ellis County sheriff, delivered the keynote address. Braun encouraged the graduates to remember the commitment and purpose that led them to a career in law enforcement.

“Never forget why you started,” Braun said. “There will be days ahead that are harder than anything you faced here. On those days, remember this moment. Remember the pride you feel today. Remember the reason you chose this path.”

Braun also reminded the graduates that the relationships they built during training would continue to provide support throughout their careers.

“Lean on each other, because the bond you built here is your brotherhood and sisterhood,” Braun said. “Take care of each other. Take care of yourselves and never lose your humanity in a profession that will test it.”

The class president, deputy Travis Cassity of the Elk County Sheriff’s Office, reflected on the unique experiences and strengths each graduate brings to the profession.

“Every graduate sitting here today brings a unique story, perspective, personality and set of gifts to this profession,” Cassity said. “None of us is exactly alike, and that’s a good thing. When we bring those unique strengths and God-given gifts to this profession, law enforcement becomes stronger. It becomes more effective. It becomes more connected to the communities we serve. It becomes more human.”

Cassity reminded his classmates of the responsibility they now carry as they begin serving their communities.

“One day, the radio will crackle. Someone will need help, and when that day comes, we’re going to answer the call every time,” Cassity said.

The Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, a division of the University of Kansas since 1968, serves as the state’s central training agency for law enforcement officers.

Under the authority of Darin Beck, vice provost and director of police training, 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.