Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center Graduates 21 New Officers
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Twenty-one new law enforcement officers graduated Friday from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center's 345th Basic Training Class, completing 14 weeks of intensive preparation before joining agencies across the state.
The graduation ceremony at Integrity Auditorium marked the latest group of officers trained at the facility, with graduates heading to departments ranging from university police to county sheriff's offices.
Kansas Sen. Mike Murphy addressed the graduates and their families during the ceremony, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with their new roles.
"As you leave here, carry your oath with you," Murphy said. "You're not alone. You have your fellow officers, your communities, and the trust of those who believe in your promise. Be fair, be true, be brave. Kansas is proud of you."
Officer Hunter Sanders of the Emporia State University Police & Safety Department, who served as class president, spoke on behalf of his fellow graduates. He reminded his classmates of their commitment to service.
"Remember, it's not about us," Sanders said. "It's about every community you'll serve, every person you'll help, every moment you choose to act with honor."
The graduates will join law enforcement agencies including the Garden City Police Department, Riley County Police Department, Hutchinson Police Department and Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, among others.
Police Instructor Senior and Class Coordinator Dave Ohlde introduced the class during the ceremony. Vice Provost and Director of Police Training Darin Beck presented certificates to graduates, confirming their completion of the full-time basic training course.
The officers also received certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training, the state's law enforcement licensing authority.
Special recognition was given to several graduates during the ceremony. Benjamin Bontrager of the Riley County Police Department received honors recognition, while Keegan Anschutz, also of Riley County Police, and Hannah Ayala of the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office earned fitness awards.
The new officers come from agencies across Kansas, with multiple graduates heading to Garden City, Hutchinson and Riley County departments. Others will serve departments in communities including Ottawa, Fort Scott, Liberal and Great Bend.
The Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center provides basic training for law enforcement officers throughout the state, preparing them for careers in municipal police departments, county sheriff's offices and specialized law enforcement agencies.
Awards in italics
Ozzy Adney, Grandview Plaza Police Department
Keegan Anschutz, Riley County Police Department: Fitness
Hannah Ayala, Shawnee County Sheriff's Office: Fitness
Benjamin Bontrager, Riley County Police Department: Honors
Dustin Branaugh, Beloit Police Department
Kourtney Cole, Garden City Police Department
Daniel Hughes, Garden City Police Department
Cody Kaler, Hodgeman County Sheriff's Office
Spencer Kennedy, Shawnee County Sheriff's Office
Thomas Macias, University of Kansas Med Center Police Dept
Levi Martin, Great Bend Police Department
Matthew Melillo, Hutchinson Police Department
Jose Murillo, Garden City Police Department
Cristian Padilla, Hutchinson Police Department
Daniel Phillips, Hutchinson Police Department
Bill Prater, Liberal Police Department
Jacob Robinson, Ottawa Police Department
Jimmie Rose, Fort Scott Police Department
Hunter Sanders, Emporia State University Police Department: Class President
MacGregor Thomas, Riley County Police Department
Abraham Werner, Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office