New Stevens Point officer follows grandfather into law enforcement

By Brandi Makuski

STEVENS POINT — More than 50 years after his grandfather joined the Stevens Point Police Department, Cameron McCarrier is following him into the same line of work.

McCarrier was sworn in as the city’s newest police officer this week, bringing the department to 44 sworn officers. His grandfather, Tom McCarrier, who joined the department in 1970, was there to pin his old police badge on his grandson.

Police Chief Ed Orgon called McCarrier the 299th officer to serve with the department.

The hiring also puts the department a little closer to its staffing goal. Stevens Point police are authorized for 49 officers, although the city currently funds 47 positions. Orgon said the department is interviewing for at least one more officer and could make another hire in the coming weeks.

McCarrier is a local graduate. He was born in Stevens Point, grew up in Plover and graduated from Stevens Point Area Senior High School in 2021.

On Aug. 7, he completed the 720-hour Law Enforcement Academy at Fox Valley Technical College, where he finished second overall in his class and earned the Top Shot Award for pistol shooting.

Orgon said McCarrier came highly recommended by former employers and references, who described him as even-keeled, respectful and logical, with a strong work ethic and an ability to stay cool under pressure.

“Cameron, I’m excited to see what the future holds for you,” Orgon said. “I make you this promise that we will make sure that we provide you with the training and the equipment you need to be successful. And all I ask of you is to bring the desire to learn and get better each day.”

For McCarrier’s grandfather, the ceremony marked a return to the department where his own law enforcement career began.

Tom McCarrier joined Stevens Point police on Aug. 11, 1970, and rose to the rank of corporal during his 11 years with the department. He left in September 1981 to become an instructor at Mid-State Technical College.

“I look forward to Cameron continuing in the footsteps that you set so many years ago,” Orgon told him before the badge pinning.

Orgon also acknowledged McCarrier’s family and friends, saying a strong support system at home is an important part of a career that can be stressful, demanding and dangerous.

“We cannot do our job or be successful at this job if we don’t have an incredible support system here in the department or in our homes,” he said.

McCarrier’s appointment took effect Aug. 10.