From Strangers to Teammates: Inside BLEA Class 932
The morning of April 16 begins like many others at the Southwest Regional Campus in Vancouver, with formation, quiet focus, and a shared sense of purpose. For Basic Law Enforcement Academy Class 932, this day carries something more. After months of training, challenge, and growth, they stand together not as strangers, but as a team, ready to graduate and begin serving communities across Washington.
At the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, every BLEA class represents more than a group of recruits. It reflects the future of public safety in Washington, individuals stepping forward to serve their communities with accountability, care, and professionalism.
BLEA Class 932 is no exception.
Over the course of the academy, this class has grown into something stronger than a cohort. They have built trust, learned from one another, and formed relationships that will carry into their careers.
“Starting from day one… I think the class has gone from 30 plus individual strangers to… a group of friends, colleagues and soon to be coworkers,” said Justin Springman, president of BLEA Class 932 with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Training That Prepares for Real Moments
BLEA training is designed to prepare recruits for the realities they will face in the field. At WSCJTC, that work is delivered through an academy model that is nationally accredited by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training. The Southwest Regional Campus in Vancouver received top marks through that accreditation process, reinforcing WSCJTC’s commitment to high standards, consistency, and continuous improvement.
Recruits move through a curriculum that blends classroom learning with hands on scenarios. They are asked to make decisions under pressure, communicate clearly, and approach every situation with professionalism and respect. The training emphasizes not only what to do, but how to think, how to listen, and how to respond to people in moments that are often difficult or uncertain.
For Class 932, learning was constant.
“I think every single day was an ‘aha’ moment. I got to learn something new every single day. It was definitely something I didn’t really know what I was initially walking into. I guess I kind of had a general idea, but throughout the weeks I truly got to learn everything and anything. I think, again, everything was an ‘aha’ moment,” said Sydney Cordin, vice president of BLEA Class 932 with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.
Learning Through Challenge
The academy is designed to challenge recruits. It pushes them to grow not only as individuals, but as a team. That growth comes through long days, high expectations, and moments that require resilience and focus.
Class 932 met those moments together.
“We’ve had great times together. We’ve obviously struggled and worked together through challenges… and we’ve established great relationships,” Springman said.
Those relationships extend beyond the class itself. Training and counseling officers, instructors, and staff guide recruits through the process, creating an environment where learning is supported and accountability is clear.
A Calling to Serve
For many recruits, this moment has been years in the making. The decision to enter law enforcement reflects a commitment to serve others and to step into a role that carries responsibility and trust.
“It’s a career I’ve wanted to do for quite a long time… finally taking that step forward… I think it’s going to be challenging, but… great at the same time,” Springman said.
For others, the path has been more direct but just as meaningful.
“My family is super proud of me… this is something I’ve wanted to do my whole entire life,” Cordin said.
What connects them is a shared sense of purpose. Their class motto reflects that mindset clearly.
Always earned, never given.
“Every day, we have to earn… the respect of our community, the trust of our colleagues… so that we can be the best officers possible for the communities that we do serve,” Springman said.
Leaving Something Behind
Each BLEA class leaves its mark on the academy. For Class 932, that legacy will take shape in a space of reflection.
The class is creating a planter at the campus flag formation area to honor fallen officers. It is a place that recognizes sacrifice and reminds future classes of the responsibility that comes with the profession.
“We want to… remember the fallen officers who have come before us and have made the ultimate sacrifice… and leave a lasting impression on those who do see it,” Springman said.
Ready for What Comes Next
As Class 932 graduates today, they carry forward more than training hours and certification. They leave with strengthened judgment, a deeper understanding of their role, and a commitment to serve with integrity.
At WSCJTC, the goal is clear. Training is built to prepare officers not only for the job, but for the people they will serve.
Public safety is rooted in trust. That trust is built through actions, decisions, and relationships.
For BLEA Class 932, that work begins now.