State Director of Alcohol Law Enforcement Instructs HCC BLET Students

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Last updated:Tuesday, Jul 27, 2010 at 03:49 PM Posted:Tuesday, Jul 27, 2010 at 02:03 PM

Haywood Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training students recently received training from John Ledford, the State Director of Alcohol Law Enforcement. The students learned important aspects of ABC laws in North Carolina.

Ledford was appointed to this position by Governor Bev Purdue in 2009. Prior to that, he served as sheriff for three terms in Madison County. He has taught classes at HCC since 2005.

“I appreciate the opportunity to have a relationship with local agencies and students,” Ledford explains. “We are here to work hand-in-hand. I have had a very blessed career and I want to share with these students some of the things I have done that does not work and some of the things I have done right.”

Ledford explained to the students that alcohol is a large portion of what officers deal with daily and how they can take a proactive role in curbing the consumption and distribution to those underage.

“Director Ledford brings so much experience to the classroom,” says Dee Parton, HCC Coordinator of Public Safety Training. “It was a privilege for the Cadets to hear him speak and teach this block of instruction. Today, more than ever, it is important for the Cadets to explore all possibilities when entering the law enforcement profession. We appreciate the Director taking his time to come to Haywood Community College and instructing in our Basic Law Enforcement Training Program.”

In North Carolina, Alcohol Law Enforcement agents enforce alcohol laws, tobacco, controlled substance and gambling laws of the state and take legal action on nuisance establishments. There are 117 sworn agents who have broad authority as peace officers to arrest and take other investigatory and enforcement actions for any criminal offense. ALE puts a major emphasis on protecting youth by enforcing underage drinking laws and providing educational programs that show teens the potentially tragic consequences of underage drinking.

“To be successful, these students need to identify weaknesses and build them into attributes. They need to remain disciplined, committed, and true to the oath,” Ledford explains. “Some of the people in this program will one day be commanders. As an instructor, I want to give them a good foundation and be a good mentor. Completing the Basic Law Enforcement program at HCC ensures that they will be prepared.” 

State Director of Alcohol Law Enforcement, John Ledford, recently instructed Haywood Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training students on the college campus. The students learned important aspects of ABC laws in North Carolina.