TRIBUNE/Kristin Zachary

Those present at the donation of the EPD cars to Surry Community College’s BLET program were Dr. George Sappenfield, vice president of corporate and continuing education at SCC; Monroe Wagoner, chief of the Elkin Police Department; Ian Harrell, director of emergency services training center at SCC; Dean Gordon, director of SCC center for public safety; Lestine Hutchens, mayor of Elkin; and Dr. Jim Reeves, president of SCC.

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At a recent town meeting, the Elkin board of commissioners voted in favor of donating two Elkin Police Department cars no longer in use to Surry Community College for use with the BLET program.

“The community college is in dire need of cars,” said Chief Monroe Wagoner, who assists with the BLET program at the college. “Both (cars are) not worthy of what we do. These cars could tentatively last (the college) five years.”

“We offer extensive law enforcement training, including BLET,” said Dean Gordon, director of SCC’s center for public safety. “This is a wonderful thing and good quality partnership between SCC and the Town of Elkin. These are not the first vehicles Elkin has given, and we’ve been appreciative of all of them.”

“As the president, I just want to express my appreciation to the Town of Elkin,” said Dr. Jim Reeves. “It enhances our program. We’re not only appreciative of the vehicles, but we’re also appreciative of the support from the town and the community.”

“From the police department’s standpoint, it’s a great opportunity to help the community college and support them in their efforts as one of the best BLET programs in the state,” said Chief Wagoner.

Wagoner said the partnership is win-win as those who complete the BLET program at SCC finish fully trained and ready to go into local law enforcement.

“I’m proud of our chief who teaches BLET at the community college,” said Mayor Lestine Hutchens. “We’re glad to be able to support the community college, and we’re glad to recycle the cars into something that will be useful.”