WPCC Basic Law Enforcement Training Program Earns Regional Workforce Development Award
Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) is proud to announce that its Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program has received the 2026 Workforce Development Award from the Community Colleges of Appalachia (CCA), a regional organization representing colleges across 13 Appalachian states.
Pictured from left to right are WPCC Student Success Advisor Kiersten Proctor, WPCC Dean of Health & Public Services Ava Yamouti, WPCC BLET Director Bryan Christy, CCA Board President Dr. Galen DeHay and WPCC Vice President of Academic Affairs & Workforce Development Dr. Cindy Davies.
The award was presented June 9 during the CCA Annual Conference in Asheville, North Carolina. Bryan Christy, WPCC BLET Director, accepted the honor on behalf of the college.
The Workforce Development Award recognizes programs that demonstrate excellence in preparing a skilled workforce, fostering economic growth and responding to regional community needs. WPCC’s BLET program was selected for its innovative curriculum leadership, outstanding student outcomes and strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies throughout the region.
“Receiving this award is a testament to the dedication of our instructors, staff, and community partners who work together to ensure our students are exceptionally prepared to serve,” said Christy. “We are proud to support the agencies that rely on our graduates and to contribute to safer communities across our region.”
Under Christy’s leadership since 2022, WPCC’s BLET program has maintained a 100% state exam pass rate, which has helped WPCC achieve the top licensure pass rate among North Carolina’s 58 community colleges.
In 2024, WPCC was one of 12 schools selected to pilot a redesigned BLET curriculum based on modern law enforcement duties. The program identified more than 300 learning objectives and expanded from 680 hours to 919 hours, increasing time for instruction, skills practice and assessment. While several colleges withdrew from the pilot due to its demands, WPCC continued, graduating multiple classes under the new model before it was officially adopted statewide in January 2025.
The program’s success is driven by its extensive instructional resources and real-world training environment. WPCC’s Law Enforcement Training Center includes 145 certified instructors, with specialized expertise in highdemand areas such as firearms, driver training, hazmat response, and compliance and control.
Facility and equipment improvements include upgrades to the firing range, modernization of a 14-vehicle training fleet and enhanced physical training standards that reflect real-world law enforcement conditions. Strong partnerships with local, state, and regional agencies further distinguish the program. As each class nears completion, at least 10 law enforcement agencies actively recruit WPCC graduates, helping departments across the region maintain full staffing with highly trained officers.
Published: 6/26/2026