Graduation Ceremony Marks New Beginning for Special Agents
On November 6, 2026, the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division (ALE) celebrated the graduation of nine new special agents during a ceremony for the 45th ALE Special Agent Academy. The event, which took place at the Samarcand Training Academy in Jackson Springs, recognized the completion of a rigorous ten-week training program designed to equip the agents for their careers in law enforcement.
Remarks from Law Enforcement Leaders
The graduation featured remarks from Sheriff Cleveland Atkinson Jr., who serves as the President of the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association. He delivered a speech acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the graduates. The oath of office was administered by Superior Court Judge Adam Elkins, marking a significant milestone in the agents’ professional journeys.
Honoring Excellence in Training
During the ceremony, Special Agent P. Baulding was honored with the Troy Douglas Carr Memorial Award, which recognizes exceptional performance throughout the academy. This award is given to the trainee who exemplifies outstanding achievement, with particular emphasis on their dedication, character, and leadership skills. The award is named after Special Agent Troy Douglas Carr, who lost his life in the line of duty on May 14, 1994.
New Agents Assigned Across the State
The nine graduates will be stationed at various field offices throughout North Carolina, including Jacksonville, Greenville, Raleigh, Greensboro, Conover, and Asheville. Their roles will involve enhancing community safety by tackling criminal activities related to alcohol, gambling, and tobacco, as well as upholding the state’s alcoholic beverage control laws.
Mission of Alcohol Law Enforcement
The ALE’s primary mission is to ensure public safety by addressing illegal activities at both licensed and unlicensed alcohol establishments. As peace officers with jurisdiction across North Carolina, ALE special agents are authorized to combat any violent crime or disturbances, serving as the leading enforcement body for the state’s laws pertaining to alcohol, gambling, lottery, and tobacco.
Source: N.C. Department of Public Safety
