Recent graduates of Mid-State Technical College’s Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy program at the recognition ceremony on the Wisconsin Rapids Campus, May 17. (Courtesy Mid-State)

Police recruits, including newest SPPD hire, graduate from Mid-State

May 19, 2023May 19, 2023

By Patrick Lynn

Mid-State Technical College this week hosted a recognition ceremony for its spring 2023 graduates of the Law Enforcement 720 Academy program.

The Academy’s 36th class graduated on May 17 at the school’s Wisconsin Rapids campus.

The class includes Will Klismith of Stevens Point, who will be sworn in at the Stevens Point Police Department on May 22. Graduate Rob Miroslaw will also be sworn in by the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office on Monday

“Mid-State has brought forth instructors from all across the state with all different ranks and titles,” said Mariah Guyer, Law Enforcement Academy class president. “Throughout this academy we have had the ability to learn from the best of the best. Officers that are still active duty, and those who have spent their entire career on duty. Through this academy we have been able to develop a relationship with each other like family.”

Successful completion of law enforcement basic training is required to be certified by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) as a law enforcement officer in the state of Wisconsin. Mid-State Technical College offers two basic training academies each year (spring and fall). The 720-hour, 18-week curriculum is determined by the DOJ, and the content of the academy includes a wide and diverse presentation of subjects, addressing all the essential functions required of law enforcement officers.

“The Law Enforcement Academy is a critical step for those entering the field of law enforcement as a career as a sworn, certified officer,” said Kurt Heuer, Law Enforcement Academy director. “The 720 hours of training is an intense mix of classroom and hands-on training, preparing the recruits to handle the effective communication skills, critical decision-making abilities and physical rigors of being a well-equipped guardian to protect and serve our communities.”

According to Heuer, Mid-State also has an articulation agreement with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point that allows UW-Stevens Point students to take a semester off from their studies to attend Mid-State’s academy and earn UW-Stevens Point credit for that experience.

Following are Mid-State’s spring 2023 Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy graduates:

Jasmine Aldrich, Wisconsin Rapids; Gavin Anderson, New Richmond; Corey Baron, Stevens Point; Daniel Denault, Watertown; Nicholas Edge, Potosi; Wayde Ernstmeyer, Reedsburg; Mariah Guyer, Stratford, Lucas Hughes, Milton; Garrik Kjentvet, Wild Rose; Will Klismith, Stevens Point; Haley Lewandowski, Stevens Point; Andrew Millard, Marengo, Ill.; Rob Miroslaw, Arpin; Lyle Piontek, Wabeno; Steven Shilts, Cudahy; and Carson Veath, Oakwood Hills, Ill.

Learn more about Mid-State’s Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy and Criminal Justice-Studies programs at mstc.edu/programs.