From Classroom Lessons to Lifelong Legacy
Kevin Bunting’s story is one of dedication and shared dreams, set into motion years ago at the Warren County Career Center (WCCC). Inspired by his father and brother’s service as firefighters, Kevin initially felt drawn to wearing a uniform but wasn’t sure what form that would take. His Criminal Justice program at WCCC, led by Mr. Piper, opened doors for him and left a lasting impression on his approach to life. “What I remember the most about the Criminal Justice program at WCCC is quite simply the life lessons that Mr. Piper had taught not just myself but the entire class,” he said. “Without a beat, every day. Mr. Piper preached Integrity, I live by that everyday and will forever be grateful for that.”
This foundation of respect, professionalism, and commitment to service shaped not only his career but also his sense of purpose. After his time at the Career Center, Kevin served six years in the Army, which, when paired with his experiences in the Criminal Justice program at WCCC helped set the stage for the next phase of his career, a Tennessee State Trooper.
“What drew me to being a State Trooper was the standard to which to hold themselves to. From their uniform to how they talk, their professionalism is unmatched,” Kevin said. It’s a challenging job, but one he enjoys, especially when he’s able to get bad people off the streets.
While at WCCC Kevin met someone in the Legal Office Tech program, Jordan Wade, who he would go on to marry. Since graduating from WCCC Jordan has also pursued a career in law enforcement and is an officer in the Clarksville Police Department in Clarksville, TN. Her coursework in the Legal Office Tech program hasn’t had much relevance on the street, but it has been an asset in the courtroom helping prepare her to talk to attorneys, speaking on the stand, and presenting herself professionally.
Working in the same field as your spouse can be a challenge, especially in such a stressful field, but Kevin sees the benefits. “With Jordan being a city police officer, she sees things that I don’t and vice versa,” he said. “We both understand the stress and mental toll. We both do our best not to bring our work home at the end of the day, but it's comforting knowing that we have each other to confide in and to lean on when needed.”
Kevin and Jordan welcomed a baby boy, Lukas, in April of this year and take a huge amount of pride in the life that they’ve worked so hard to build together. “We watched each other grow from young teenagers to successful law enforcement officers and parents. We couldn’t have done it without the encouragement and motivation from each other and our families.”