The most recent graduating class of South Piedmont’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program included several graduates who took untraditional paths into their new careers.
They included a former golf pro, accountant, and IT professional.
“I think that goes to show you a couple things,” said Director of Law Enforcement Training Mike Smith.
“One, it shows that it’s never too late to make the decision to dedicate your life to a career of public service. Two, it shows that South Piedmont offers a program that is accessible to students of all backgrounds and walks of life. If you’ve always dreamed of working in law enforcement, now’s the time. Be inspired by our graduates. They did it, and you can too.”
Meet a few of the members of the Class of 2024 who took nontraditional paths.
Francis Ciucevich: Former Golf Pro — Among Other Things
Francis Ciucevich is starting his law enforcement career at the age of 60, after a lifetime of previous work experience.
Always an avid golfer, Ciucevich attended NC State on a golf scholarship and went on to work as a golf pro, both in Florida and in Germany. But that’s only the beginning of his prior work experience.
He also sold machine tooling and underground piping products, worked as a production supervisor for a pharmaceutical company, and oversaw AutoCAD for his father’s engineering company. He even drove a truck for a couple years before deciding, finally, to pursue his lifelong interest in law enforcement.
“I always had it in my mind that if golf wasn’t in the picture, I would have gone into the military. I first tried to do law enforcement in 2002, but I didn’t make it. Then in 2009, I was in the application and interviewing process, but then I learned I had colon cancer, which threw me off track. I decided to give it one more try. If feels pretty good to achieve a goal I had for myself for a long time,” he said.
Ciucevich started working with the Union County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer when he was 58. Since graduating from BLET in December, he’s been promoted to deputy sheriff.
His advice to anyone out there contemplating a career switch in 2025:
“Don’t wait too long, and don’t think it’s too late. I think that all the experience I bring to the table is advantageous. I know how to talk to a lot of people.”
Bryson Tomberlin: Former IT Professional
Like many of his fellow BLET graduates, Bryson Tomberlin always had an interest in law enforcement, but life took him in another direction – until he decided to make a change.
Tomberlin, 23, was also always good with computers. One of his first jobs was as a part-time IT specialist at Stanly Community College. That job led to a full-time position as a desktop support technician at South Piedmont.
While on campus, resolving any variety of IT issues for students or employees, Tomberlin started learning more about the BLET program.
The more he learned, the more he felt it was the right option for him.
“I think that you have to stop thinking so much about every decision. You don’t have to be locked into one thing for your whole life. You can try different things,” he said.
Tomberlin is now working for the Monroe Police Department. One day, he is interested in combining his background in IT with his law enforcement training to possibly work as a cybercrime investigator.
“I definitely have a new confidence after making this career change,” he said. “It changes how you look at things. Anything is possible.”
Dylan Liles: Former Accountant
Dylan Liles was well on his way to becoming a career accountant when he decided to make a drastic career change.
“I just decided that I didn’t like what I was doing. I didn’t want to be behind a desk forever. I wanted to give back and do something meaningful,” he said.
Liles earned his bachelor’s degree from Wingate University. He worked as an accountant for the Town of Marshville, and later, for a private company that sells uniforms, including police uniforms. He eventually worked as the assistant HR director for that company.
“I kept seeking and hearing about the need for more law enforcement officers,” he said.
“At the same time, I knew what I was doing wasn’t what I wanted to be doing for the rest of my life. Things just came together, and here I am.”
The switch has changed him both mentally and physically. Not only is he excited about his career outlook, but he also lost 60 pounds during the BLET program.
“I’m more active and focused. Every day is different,” he said.
Liles now works for the Monroe Police Department as well.
“This is what I want to do, and this is where I want to be,” he said.
For more information about South Piedmont’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program, visit South Piedmont’s website, or to speak to someone about starting your own career switch, email navigate@spcc.edu.