Kasey Starnes Among 20 Graduates from Kansas Law Enforcement Training
UPDATE: The 350th Basic Training Class at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) has officially graduated, with Kasey Starnes from the Great Bend Police Department among the 20 new officers ready to serve Kansas communities. The ceremony took place on Dec. 12, 2023, at Integrity Auditorium, where family and friends gathered to celebrate this significant milestone.
These graduates have completed an intense 14 weeks of training, equipping them with the skills needed to protect and serve. The event highlighted the dedication of these recruits as they prepare to return to their respective agencies across the state, ready to make a difference in their communities.
David “Tyler” Decker, chief of police in Fredonia, addressed the graduates, emphasizing the unique journeys that brought each recruit to this point. “Each of you arrived at the academy with a story,” Decker stated. “Regardless of your path, you all stand here now united by a single shared purpose — the commitment to serve and protect.”
Class President Joshua Gile, also from the Fredonia Police Department, inspired his fellow graduates with encouraging words: “I can say with confidence that the future of law enforcement is in good hands. Hold your heads high. Be proud of what you’ve achieved, and go show your communities the outstanding officers you are.”
KLETC, a division of the University of Kansas since 1968, serves as the state’s central training agency for law enforcement officers. Under the leadership of Vice Provost and Director of Police Training Darin Beck, graduates received certificates confirming their successful completion of the basic course and certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training.
As these new officers step into their roles, the impact of their training will resonate throughout Kansas communities, ensuring a new generation of dedicated law enforcement professionals committed to public safety. The bonds formed during this training period will last a lifetime, shaping the future of law enforcement in the state.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these new officers will begin their crucial work in the coming days.
