Advanced Law Certificates Earned by AVL Airport Officers

(Asheville, N.C.)  The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA) is pleased to announce the awarding of two Advanced Law Certificates to Jeff Augram, recently retired chief of public safety, and Lieutenant Jimmy Brissie. The certificates reflect the officers’ dedication to continued education and many years of experience in law enforcement. Five out of 14 public safety officers at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) have received this recognition. 

The certificates were established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission in order to recognize officers in government agencies who strive for professional improvement and also to attract highly-qualified candidates to law enforcement. The commission met and after examination of the officers’ credentials, approved issuance of the Advanced Certifications. Officers who receive the awards must go through a rigorous training program and exceed standards set forth by the State of North Carolina for law enforcement.

“It is an honor to work each day next to these extraordinary officers who are responsible for maintaining the highest level of safety and security at the Asheville Regional Airport,” said Lew Bleiweis, Executive Director of the airport. “This particular certificate requires a lot of time and effort and we appreciate all of our officers who have gone the extra mile to attain this award.”

Jeff Augram served in the Department of Public Safety at Asheville Regional Airport for more than 30 years, most recently as Chief of Public Safety, a role he held for nearly 10 years. The advanced law certificate was Chief Augram’s last significant accomplishment at Asheville Regional Airport.  Chief Augram retired this month.

Officer Jimmy Brissie has been employed by the Asheville Regional Airport for more than seven years. “It has been an honor to receive this Advanced Certification, it represents hundreds of hours of training and exercise in preparing for emergencies in order to better serve the airport community,” Brissie said.

Officers working at AVL who have already received the Advanced Law Enforcement Officer Certificates are Kevan Smith, Interim Chief of Public Safety, and Officers Mike Miller and Bruce Blackwell.