Beaufort County Community College (Beaufort CCC) welcomed community members, local officials, including NC Representative Keith Kidwell (District 79) and Beaufort County Sheriff Scott Hammonds, and first responders on September 26 to celebrate the opening of its new public safety training facilities. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the college’s new Law Enforcement Physical Training Gym in Building 10B.
Expanding K9 Training in Eastern North Carolina
Beaufort CCC is one of only a few colleges in Eastern North Carolina offering patrol K-9 certification. To strengthen its new K9 Law Enforcement Training Program, the college has developed a K9 Confidence Training Facility featuring obstacles such as a horizontal hanging ladder, chain-link dog bridge, jungle gym, and seesaw. These elements help K9 teams build agility, endurance, and readiness for real-world scenarios.
The college is also constructing a K9 rubble pile training area. This specialized environment simulates disaster response conditions, helping K9 units practice search and rescue, cadaver detection, and emergency response. These resources expand the hands-on training opportunities available to both students and working professionals.
A Training Gym for Law Enforcement
In addition to its K9 facilities, Beaufort CCC opened a Law Enforcement Physical Training Gym in Building 10B. The gym gives students and local agencies access to the equipment and space they need to develop strength and stamina required for the job.
“These new facilities represent Beaufort’s ongoing commitment to preparing public safety professionals with realistic, hands-on training,” said Dr. David Loope, president of Beaufort CCC. “They will give our students and agencies across our region the resources they need to train more effectively and serve our communities with confidence.”
Community Support Makes it Possible
The expansion of Beaufort CCC’s K9 Academy was made possible through the support of NC Representative Keith D. Kidwell, H&R Block, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, IBX Ink and Thread, and Wayne’s Tree Service & Stump Grinding. Special thanks also go to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office for bringing the concept forward and to Orchard Knoll K9 for their ongoing partnership.
With these additions, Beaufort CCC continues to stand out as a leader in public safety and K9 training in Eastern North Carolina.