From Staff Reports 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Asheville Police Department’s Basic Law Enforcement Training academy held its latest graduation ceremony on Feb. 20, Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported later on Feb. 20.

The ceremony at A-B Tech swore in new graduates, including Paul Anthony Duvernay III, who was arrested later that day.

“As Asheville struggles with recruitment issues, the newest graduates are a bright spot in moving forward with building up numbers,” News 13 noted.

Regarding what that day meant not just for her, but for the city as a whole, Interim APD Chief Jackie Stepp said the following:

“This is so exciting, not only for the department but for the community. As we begin to restaff our agency, it allows us to do so much more. Better service, more service for the community, and we’re just excited. It’s the first time in over a decade that we’ve had our own in-house academy, and our largest academy. So, (I am) just really thrilled to be here today celebrating these new police officers.”

The new graduates also watched a special to see all they accomplished together during their training.