News Summary
A historic graduation of 28 officers from the Basic Law Enforcement Training program marks a milestone for the Asheville Police Department. With 15 of the new graduates joining the APD, this cohort is three times larger than usual. The ceremony celebrated the inspiring story of cadet Ed Solomon and his son, highlighting a commitment to community safety and representation in law enforcement. With upcoming classes expected to include more recruits, the APD is addressing staffing shortages and fostering strong community relations.
Asheville, NC – A record number of new officers graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program on June 18, marking a significant milestone for the Asheville Police Department (APD) and local law enforcement agencies. In total, 28 cadets graduated from the program at AB Tech Community College, which is the largest class in a decade. This graduation is a promising step towards strengthening community safety and improving law enforcement staffing.
Of the 28 new graduates, 15 are set to join the Asheville Police Department, providing a much-needed reinforcement for the agency. Historically, APD has reported that past classes have typically included only four to five cadets, making this cohort three times larger than usual. The significant increase in new recruits signals an ongoing commitment from the department to address staffing shortages effectively.
The graduation ceremony also featured the recognition of Ed Solomon, a 52-year-old cadet who was labeled as the class’s role model. Solomon’s career aspirations stem from a lifelong desire to contribute positively to his community, particularly after witnessing gang violence in Los Angeles during his youth. This experience fueled his motivation for becoming a police officer, specifically focusing on the need for more representation among Latin American and Hispanic officers.
Ed Solomon’s journey into law enforcement had earlier begun as a military police officer. However, family commitments halted his progress in that career path. After his son, Hunter, graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in criminal justice, he inspired Ed to reignite his dream of serving on the police force. This father-son duo was celebrated during the ceremony, marking a unique achievement in their family’s history.
Both Ed and Hunter were recognized by the graduating class, highlighting their strong familial bond and mutual encouragement in pursuing careers in law enforcement. Ed was awarded the trailblazer award during the ceremony, an accolade that proved to be particularly emotional for Hunter, who expressed pride in motivating his father to re-enter the field. Ed Solomon aspires to work as a school resource officer within a local school district, intending to make a positive impact on youth in the community.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Hunter is also considering enrolling in the upcoming BLET program with the APD. Lieutenant James Boyce expressed confidence in Hunter’s potential candidacy for a police officer position, attributing it to the positive influence his father has had as a role model. The department’s recruitment strategy appears to be yielding encouraging results, with a subsequent class expected to include 20 cadets, further demonstrating the commitment to restoring personnel levels within the department.
This latest BLET graduation not only signifies a growth in personnel numbers but also reflects strong community engagement and the ongoing support of local law enforcement among residents. As the Asheville Police Department takes proactive steps towards enhancing its workforce, the inclusion of new officers, especially those with personal ties to the community like the Solomon family, indicates a promising trajectory for community relations and public safety initiatives in Asheville.
The large cohort of graduates combined with support from their families serves as a reminder of the commitment and resilience found within law enforcement, aiming to provide safer neighborhoods and visible representation within the ranks. As these new officers transition into their roles, they carry with them the hopes of enhancing community trust and a dedication to serving the citizens of Asheville.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Pedestrian Killed in Asheville Traffic Incident
North Carolina Public Universities Suspend DEI Course Requirements
Local Sheriff’s Lieutenant Graduates with Criminal Justice Degree
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Police Basic Law Enforcement Training Graduation
- WSPA: One Dead, Two Injured During Firefighter Training
- Fox Carolina: Officials Admissions Suspended Asheville Academy
- Wikipedia: Asheville
- Google Search: Asheville Police Department Recruitment
