Sources: Jason Blackburn, 785-532-6412, jrb6105@k-state.edu;
and Ronnie Grice, 785-532-1131, raker@k-state.edu
Website: http://www.k-state.edu/police/
News tip/hometown interest: Emporia and Manhattan.
News release prepared by: Don Stubbings, 785-532-6412, 135ksu@k-state.edu

Friday, Aug. 12, 2011

TOP COP: K-STATE POLICE OFFICER GRADUATES FIRST IN CLASS FROM STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER

MANHATTAN -- When it comes to law enforcement, Kansas State University police officer Jason Blackburn is at the head of his class.

Blackburn recently graduated first in his class from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. The 14-week academy had 49 officers from police and sheriffs' departments throughout the state of Kansas. The academy encompasses all areas of law enforcement, including legal aspects, physical fitness, firearms, emergency vehicle operations and other areas crucial to public safety. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

"Having one of our officers graduate at the top of the academy's class is a reflection of the quality of officers we are recruiting to Kansas State University. We are all proud of Jason's achievement," said Ronnie Grice, assistant vice president for public safety and director of the K-State Police Department.

Academy graduates receive certificates of course completion and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training, the state's law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training.

Blackburn will now go through an additional 12-week training program with the K-State Police Department.

A 1999 K-State graduate, Blackburn is the son of Warner and Rhnae Blackburn, Emporia.