SANFORD - Three Central Carolina Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training graduates are now serving as Apex police officers.

Officers Lee Burns, Matt Hunter and Jonathan Culberson were sworn in during an Apex Police Department ceremony Dec. 11 at the city’s Town Hall. Chief Jack Lewis officiated at the ceremony.

Burns, of Sanford, graduated from Lee Christian School in 2004. He received his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Central Carolina in May. He was also enrolled in the BLET evening program, from which he graduated in August. His mother, Lara Kelly, pinned his badge on him during the swearing-in ceremony.

Hunter, of Broadway, is a graduate of Lee Senior High School and Central Carolina Community College. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in December 2007. He returned to Central Carolina and graduated from the BLET evening program in August. His father, Donny Hunter, pinned on his badge.

Culberson, of Chatham County, is a 2000 graduate of Jordan Matthews High School. He graduated from Central Carolina’s BLET program in April 2005 and was hired at U.N.C. Public Safety. He recently transferred to the Apex Police Department. At the swearing-in, his wife, Claire, pinned on his badge.

Faye Phillips, director of Central Carolina’s BLET program attended the swearing-in and was recognized by Chief Lewis.