A-B Tech's Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program celebrated 20 newly minted law enforcement officers on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The graduates were honored in a ceremony on the Asheville campus that was attended by families, friends, and local law enforcement agencies.
All of the graduates have secured jobs with area law enforcement agencies, said BLET Director Daryl Fisher, who presided over the ceremony. He also noted that graduate Abigail Kuchta finished the program with the highest grade point average since he arrived at A-B Tech in 2012 and had the Highest State Exam score in the state of North Carolina for the new NC BLET Program. Kutcha is employed as a State Park Ranger for the NC State Parks and Recreation Department.
“This ceremony is a celebration of hard work, growth and achievement,” Fisher said. “They trained together as a team and will move forward individually with a shared commitment to serve.”
Weaverville Police Chief Somer Oberlin was the guest speaker, and the class address was given by Yasmin Melo-Baron. Fisher, Deputy Director Jeff Augram, and Administrative Assistant Cecily Anderson presented the graduates with BLET certificates.
Class awards were presented by BLET Program Director Daryl Fisher and Augram. Awards and recipients were:
- Top Gun: Garrett Dean
- Most Improved Physical Fitness: Taylor Spradlin
- Highest Grade Point Avg: Abigail Kuchta
- Highest State Exam: Abigail Kuchta
- Trailblazer Award: Christopher Norrington
- Never Give Up Award: Sammy Cruz-Medina
- Never Give Up Award: Yasmin Belo-Baron
- Best Instructor: Dr. Chris Campbell.
Learn more about A-B Tech's BLET program at Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Certificate.