ECC Director Presents at Tarboro Rotary and Accepts Club’s Donation

(l-r) Eddie Stocks, Tarboro Rotary Club president, presents a check to Bernie Taylor, director of BLET, and ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod

Bernie Taylor, director of Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) at Edgecombe Community College, recently spoke to members of the Tarboro Rotary Club and accepted a $4,000 donation in support of the BLET and Emergency Medical Services programs.

The BLET Academy is a 22-week program that prepares students for entry-level employment as law enforcement officers with state, county or municipal agencies. Taylor highlighted the academy’s recent success, including its largest entering and graduating class in 2025. Thirty-six cadets began the academy, and 32 completed the program.

Cadets complete extensive training, including shotgun and rifle instruction, firearms qualification, driver training, as well as certifications in baton, pepper spray, tasers and crisis intervention. Participants must complete 1,000 hours of training, an increase from previous state requirements. The current 17th BLET Academy began January 16 with 28 cadets; 22 remain enrolled.

The $4,000 donation from the Tarboro Rotary Club will be split evenly between the BLET and EMS programs to support students who experience emergencies that could otherwise prevent them from completing their training.

Adam Culbertson, ECC’s director of public services, was unable to attend the meeting but expressed his appreciation for the club’s continued support. “This funding is used to help students in need who want to begin their career in EMS,” Culbertson said. “I appreciate the Tarboro Rotary Club for their commitment to assisting ECC’s Public Safety programs in providing quality education to our community.”