News Summary
Beaufort County Community College celebrated the graduation of its second Patrol K-9 class, marking a significant achievement with five teams completing rigorous training. The program enhances public safety by preparing K-9 units for various law enforcement tasks. During the ceremony, Officer Christopher Fortune received the Gold Collar Award for exceptional performance, while Deputy Joshua Jones represented the graduating team in reflections on their training journey. This program not only aids in crime reduction but also integrates education with practical skill development for law enforcement.
Beaufort County, NC – Graduation Celebrates Second Patrol K-9 Class
On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) proudly celebrated the graduation of its second Patrol K-9 class. The ceremony marked a significant milestone, with five K-9 teams consisting of law enforcement officers and their canine partners officially completing their training.
The graduating teams included:
- Corporal Scott Gashi and K9 Shadow
- Officer Christopher Fortune and K9 Atlas
- Deputy Joshua Jones and K9 Rocky
- Deputy Hayden Green and K9 Bruer
- Officer Franklin Blanton and K9 Kapi
These officers represent multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Haywood County Sheriff’s Department, North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, and the Savannah Police Department.
K-9 Training Program Overview
The K-9 program involved a rigorous 14-week training course that provided each officer and their K-9 partner with a total of 540 hours of specialized instruction. The training encompasses a broad spectrum of essential skills, including obedience, drug detection, suspect apprehension, and search and rescue techniques, applicable both during day and night operations.
BCCC is one of the few educational institutions in Eastern North Carolina offering a K-9 training program of this nature. This program allows trainees to earn college credit for the hours spent in training, thereby integrating law enforcement education with practical skill development.
Graduation Ceremony Highlights
During the graduation ceremony, Deputy Joshua Jones delivered remarks on behalf of the graduating class, reflecting on their collective journey and the skills acquired throughout the program. Officer Christopher Fortune was recognized for his exceptional performance and was awarded the Gold Collar Award, an honor given to individuals demonstrating outstanding effort and a positive attitude throughout the training.
Impact of the K-9 Program
The primary goal of the K-9 program is to assist law enforcement agencies in locating missing persons and apprehending suspects with the effective use of trained canine units. These K-9 teams are expected to enhance public safety and provide valuable support to their respective departments in a variety of law enforcement situations.
Conclusion
The graduation of the second Patrol K-9 class at BCCC showcases the commitment of both the institution and local law enforcement agencies to enhancing community safety through specialized training. As these five K-9 teams move forward, their skills will play a vital role in their respective communities, significantly contributing to crime reduction and public safety initiatives.
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Additional Resources
- WITN: Beaufort County Community College Celebrates Second K-9 Class Graduation
- Google Search: Beaufort County Community College K-9 Graduation
- WNCT: Beaufort County Community College Celebrates Second Patrol K-9 Graduates
- Wikipedia: K9 Unit
- Bluffton Today: Beaufort Memorial PATH Program Celebrates New Graduates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Dog
- WSAV: USCB Graduation to Impact Traffic
- Google News: Beaufort County Community College
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
