From Labor to Law Enforcement

Dressed in a navy blue shirt and khaki pants, Josh stands poised before the bold white lettering of the “Public Safety Training Center,” a symbol of the path he has courageously pursued.

Becoming a police officer represents more than just a career goal for Josh it embodies a profound personal transformation rooted in service, perseverance, and faith. Recently graduating from the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program, he now stands at the starting line of a future defined by integrity and public trust.

Josh’s path to law enforcement was shaped by years of physically demanding work on construction sites, in landscaping, flooring, and tree-trimming. These jobs, though grueling, forged his character and instilled in him the values of discipline and grit. Anchored by the steady influence of his family and guided by his faith in God, Josh began to feel the pull toward something greater: a role where he could make a lasting difference.

That calling became clearer when the Jacksonville, NC Police Department saw his potential and stepped forward to sponsor his BLET tuition. Their belief in him marked a turning point an opportunity to step into a profession where his work could directly impact lives and communities.

Still, the journey was far from easy. With a daily hour-long commute and the rigorous demands of law enforcement training, Josh faced both logistical and financial hurdles. Support came through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant at Carteret Community College. This crucial funding not only eased the financial burden but also connected Josh with a dedicated team that believed in his success. Their encouragement allowed him to focus fully on his training, bringing clarity and determination to each step forward.

Graduating from the BLET program was a moment of triumph not just for Josh, but for everyone who supported him along the way. From the Jacksonville Police Department to the team at Carteret CC, and from his faith community to his own family, it was a shared victory built on trust, hard work, and resilience.

Now, as Josh prepares to enter the field of law enforcement, he does so with a clear mission: to serve and protect with honor. For him, this is more than a job. It is a calling one that he is ready to meet with courage, compassion, and conviction.