News

SCC Celebrates Fire and Law Enforcement Academy Graduates

Jun 16, 2026
Graduates of the Sandhills Community College Fire Academy pose for a group photo on campus following completion of their training program.

Image caption | Graduates of Sandhills Community College's Fire Academy and Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program celebrate completing rigorous public safety training in June 2026. The programs prepare students for careers protecting and serving communities throughout the region.

Both the Fire Academy and Law Enforcement Academy at Sandhills Community College held Summer graduation ceremonies on June 11 and 12, respectively.
 
Fire Academy 2026 graduates include Dustin Adams, Unaffiliated; Jayden Bell, Hillcrest FD; Brandon Fulwood, Benhaven FD; Jose Lacsina, Southern Pines; Robert Lincoln, Cary FD; Celina Lugo, Rockfish FD; Travis Nason, Southern Pines, FD; Zachary Reaves, Seven Lakes FD; Alexander Schmitz, Cary, FD; Emily Swardz, Seven Lakes FD; and Derek Veatch, Carolina Trace, FD. 
 
The Pinehurst FD served as the Honor Guard with CAM Pipes and Drums to present and retire the colors. Bradly Dick from the Southern Pines, FD gave the invocation and Stephen Cox, Deputy Chief of Pinehurst FD was the speaker. Fire Academy Coordinators at Sandhills Community College Josh Womack and Scott Chisholm also participated in the ceremony.
 
Law Enforcement Academy graduates at SCC include Aaron Acosta, William Baldwin, Aaron Chever, Melvin Jeter, Wyatt McNeill, Margaret Pridgen, Jorge Ruiz-Rayon, Gregory Reaves, Nicholas Upchurch, Carson Vinet and Jamie Hunter.
 
Posting and retirement of colors was conducted by the Moore County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Ronnie Fields of the Moore County Sheriff’s Office was the speaker. Director Ron Turk presided over the ceremony with a welcome from President Sandy Stewart and awards presented by the Senior Leadership Team.
Photos from the ceremonies are available at the SCC Flickr page.
Registration is now open for future academies at www.sandhills.edu/learn.
 
Graduates of the Sandhills Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training program pose with instructors, staff, and supporters outside a campus building.  Graduates of the Sandhills Community College Fire Academy pose for a group photo on campus following completion of their training program.