Chris Francis Named Isothermal’s BLET Director
By: Blakely Hollifield
Published: September 24, 2026
SPINDALE (September 17, 2026) - Chris Francis has spent most of his career preparing for and serving in law enforcement. Now, after nearly three decades in the classroom at Isothermal Community College and 12 years as Rutherford County sheriff, he is taking on a new role: leading the college’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program.
Francis first began teaching BLET at Isothermal in 1999. More than 25 years later, he is stepping into the director’s role as a new group of cadets begins training in BLET Class 91.
Francis brings experience from across law enforcement to the position, including patrol, investigations, field training and supervision. He went on to serve three terms as Rutherford County sheriff before retiring from the position in 2022. Throughout much of his career, he remained involved with BLET at Isothermal and has served as the program’s qualified assistant since 2022.
“Chris Francis brings a combination of law enforcement experience and firsthand knowledge of our BLET program to this role,” said Donna Hood, dean of Health and Public Services. “His experience in the field, along with his years of working directly with BLET students and instructors, gives him a valuable perspective on what it takes to prepare students for successful careers in law enforcement. We believe Chris is an excellent fit to lead the BLET program, and we are excited about the experience, leadership and commitment he will bring to our students, our program and the law enforcement community we serve.”
That combination of classroom and field experience has shaped Francis’ approach to preparing new officers. For him, that means helping cadets understand that law enforcement is more than a career choice. It is a profession that requires preparation, accountability and a commitment to the communities they will serve.
“I hope to give good advice to cadets that I wish I had received when I was just starting out,” Francis said. “With this advice, I hope each of them have long, safe and fulfilling careers.”
The profession has changed considerably since Francis first entered law enforcement. Officers today work with technology, databases, video equipment and less-lethal tools that have become part of everyday police work. Francis also points to the importance of preparing cadets to understand the constitutional rights of the citizens they will take an oath to protect and serve.
His goal is for students to leave Isothermal prepared not only to pass the state exam but also to apply what they have learned once they enter the field.
That work is already underway with BLET Class 91 and its 18 cadets. Francis describes the class as a diverse and intelligent group that has already demonstrated its ability to meet the academic and physical demands of the program.
For Francis, leading BLET also carries a personal connection. He earned an associate degree from Isothermal before earning a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University. He went to school in the area, raised his family here and spent much of his career serving Rutherford County.
“I want the most professional law enforcement officers to come out of ICC to represent me, this college, and this program,” Francis said.
Francis holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Standards Division and is a graduate of the North Carolina Sheriff’s Leadership Institute. He continues to serve as a reserve deputy sheriff with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.