�鶹ӳ��’s Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Class 75 has reached an outstanding milestone, achieving a 100% pass rate on the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission State Comprehensive Exam.

The rigorous four-hour, 300-question exam is the final academic requirement for aspiring law enforcement officers in North Carolina. Passing the exam demonstrates a graduate’s knowledge, skills, and readiness to serve their communities, making Class 75’s perfect first-attempt pass rate an exceptional achievement.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our students,” said BLET Program Director J.D. Smith. “A 100% pass rate reflects the dedication, discipline, and perseverance these students demonstrated throughout the program. It also speaks to the commitment of our instructors, who work tirelessly to prepare future law enforcement officers for success both in the classroom and in the field.”

BCC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in criminal law, patrol procedures, investigations, ethics, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency response, driver training, and community relations. Graduates must successfully complete all Commission-mandated coursework and pass the State Comprehensive Exam before becoming eligible for certification as North Carolina law enforcement officers.

Class 75’s achievement continues BCC’s tradition of excellence in public safety education and reinforces the College’s commitment to preparing highly qualified officers to serve communities across North Carolina.

Congratulations to every member of BLET Class 75 on this remarkable accomplishment. We look forward to seeing the positive impact each graduate will make in the communities they serve.

July 2026

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�鶹ӳ�� officially dedicated the Alan Holden Public Safety Center on June 11, marking a significant investment in public safety education, workforce development, and the future of emergency response throughout Brunswick County and southeastern North Carolina.

Community leaders, public safety professionals, elected officials, BCC trustees, faculty, staff, students, and supporters gathered for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the state-of-the-art facility and recognizing the service and leadership of its namesake, Alan Holden.

Designed to meet the growing demand for highly trained first responders, the Alan Holden Public Safety Center provides cutting-edge learning environments for students pursuing careers in emergency medical services, law enforcement, fire and rescue, and other public safety professions.

The facility features specialized classrooms, advanced simulation technology, tactical training spaces, and flexible instructional areas that mirror real-world emergency response environments. These innovative training resources will help students develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to serve their communities from day one.

“Public safety professionals are among the most essential members of any community, and they deserve access to the very best training environments available,” said BCC President Dr. Gene Smith. “The Alan Holden Public Safety Center will have a lasting impact on our students, our public safety partners, and the communities they protect.”

The center will serve not only new students but also current public safety professionals seeking continuing education, advanced certifications, and specialized training opportunities. Through its innovative design and training capabilities, the Alan Holden Public Safety Center positions BCC as a regional leader in public safety education and reinforces the College’s mission to provide workforce training that meets critical community needs.

The facility is named in honor of Alan Holden, whose decades of public service and leadership have made a lasting impact on Brunswick County and �鶹ӳ��. Holden has served on the BCC Board of Trustees, as well as on the Foundation Board. His service to the Town of Holden Beach includes roles as mayor, commissioner, and emergency director, and he is a former firefighter with the Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department.

Following the ceremony, guests toured the facility to experience firsthand the technologies and training environments that will prepare future generations of first responders.

As Brunswick County continues to grow, the Alan Holden Public Safety Center will help ensure that local communities are served by highly trained emergency responders equipped with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to answer the call when it matters most.

June 2026

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�鶹ӳ�� (BCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Lisa Fields as the College’s first Dean of Public Safety. In this newly created leadership role, Fields will oversee all public safety-related programs housed in and operated in conjunction with the Alan Holden Public Safety Center, currently under construction on BCC’s main campus in Bolivia.

“Lisa Fields is a proven leader whose dedication to public service, student empowerment, and strategic innovation will be instrumental in shaping the future of public safety training at BCC and beyond,” said Dr. Gene Smith, President of BCC. “Her appointment represents a bold step forward in our mission to deliver exceptional, real-world training for the public safety professionals in our region.”

Fields brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience and 18 years in higher education, including her current role as Department Chair for BCC’s Professional & Technical Division. During her time at BCC, she has led key initiatives in curriculum development, student success, and community engagement—particularly in high-demand sectors like Criminal Justice and Public Safety Administration.

“It is an honor to lead Public Safety programs at �鶹ӳ��, particularly at a time when the need is greater than ever,” Fields said. “The Alan Holden Public Safety Center will be a game changer as we lead the future of public service in Brunswick County. Together with our dedicated faculty and community partners, we are preparing the next generation of public safety professionals to serve with integrity, resilience, and excellence.”

In addition to her public safety credentials, Fields has contributed significantly to institutional innovation. She played a key role in modernizing the College’s Cosmetology program, oversaw the rollout of Watermark Faculty Success for academic reporting, and has consistently built strong community partnerships to support BCC’s mission.

Fields holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Indiana State University and a Graduate Certificate in Community College Leadership from UNC Wilmington. She is currently completing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of the Cumberlands, with a research focus on student achievement and community impact.

She is also a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor, Title IX coordinator, and the 2024 recipient of the Dr. Susanne H. Adams Excellence in Leadership Award.

The Alan Holden Public Safety Center, now under construction, will be a 28,278-square-foot facility equipped with cutting-edge technology and simulation labs, including a VirTra Simulator, tactical firearms room, self-defense training space, EMS scenario labs, driving simulators, and an apparatus bay. The Center will serve as a central hub for preparing tomorrow’s first responders and emergency professionals throughout southeastern North Carolina.

August 2025

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�鶹ӳ�� (BCC) celebrated a major milestone on Friday with the groundbreaking of the new Alan Holden Public Safety Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to transform public safety education and workforce development in the region.

The 28,278-square-foot facility, set to begin construction on February 3, 2025, and be completed by March 2026, will be a hub for cutting-edge training and education. It will house specialized labs and training spaces, including a VirTra Simulator, moveable wall tactical firearm room, self-defense and arrest techniques mat room, driving simulators, EMS scenario training rooms, and an apparatus bay. These resources will enable students and local professionals to train in real-world scenarios, enhancing their preparedness for public safety careers.

“Today’s groundbreaking is a monumental step forward in �鶹ӳ��’s mission to meet the growing needs of our community,” said Dr. Gene Smith, President of BCC. “The Alan Holden Public Safety Center will provide top-tier education and training opportunities for students and support in-service training for our local law enforcement officers, fire, and rescue personnel. We are deeply honored by Alan Holden’s generosity and his trust in BCC to carry forward a legacy of excellence and service to our community.”

The center will offer comprehensive programs to support students and public safety professionals, including Associate in Applied Science degrees in Criminal Justice Technology, Emergency Medical Science (EMS), and Public Safety Administration with specializations in Corrections, Law Enforcement, and Emergency and Fire Management. It will also house 911 Communication and Operations training and offer diploma, certification, and continuing education programs, such as Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and various firefighter training courses.

Sheriff Brian Chism emphasized the center’s far-reaching impact: “This project is a game changer for the safety and well-being of the people of Brunswick County and beyond. The Alan Holden Public Safety Center will provide invaluable training resources for public safety professionals, ensuring they are prepared to protect and serve at the highest level. We are grateful to both Mr. Holden and BCC for their continued contributions to and support of our community.”

With its focus on training the next generation of public safety professionals and enhancing workforce readiness, the Alan Holden Public Safety Center is poised to be a cornerstone of community safety and service for years to come.

February 2025

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Firefighters or first responders interested in furthering their education or high school graduates with a passion for a career in public safety and service have a new degree program to explore at �鶹ӳ�� (BCC). Launching this fall is a new Emergency and Fire Management pathway to earning an Associate Degree in Public Safety Administration.

The new pathway is one of three Public Safety Administration degree options, including Law Enforcement and Corrections. These five-semester programs prepare students for careers in police departments, emergency management organizations, governmental agencies, industrial firms, correctional facilities, private industries, insurance organizations, educational organizations, security and protective organizations, and self-employment opportunities.

“The new Emergency and Fire Management pathway is entirely online, allowing working students to enroll,” said Lisa Fields, Public Safety Administration Program director. “There’s a growing need for emergency personnel in our service area. Whether students are new to the field or already on the job and enhancing their skills, this degree makes them highly marketable, particularly with its focus on leadership.” Fields also noted that credit for prior learning may also be available to students applying for the new pathway.

To learn more about enrolling for Fall 2023, visit our website. For questions, contact OneStop Student Services at onestop@brunswickcc.edu or (910) 755-7320.

April 24, 2023

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