SPASH grad, Army vet welcomed as city’s newest police officer
By Brandi Makuski
STEVENS POINT – The Stevens Point Police Department has a new member, Larson Biadasz, who was introduced during a swearing-in ceremony on Monday.
Police Chief Bob Kussow said Biadasz was the 286th officer to join SPPD’s ranks.
“We’re thrilled to have Larson join us,” Kussow said. “It’s not just about the officer, but also the support from family and friends, which is vital for success in this demanding job.”
Biadasz, who grew up in Stevens Point, graduated from SPASH in 2017. He then joined the U.S. Army as a military police officer and served for seven years. During his time in the military, he worked on over 100 felony investigations with the Department of Army Criminal Investigations Division in Texas. He also led a team of investigators and mentored new recruits, all while earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern New Hampshire University.
Kussow promised Biadasz and his family that the department is committed to the safety of its officers. “We’ll make sure you have everything you need to be successful,” he said. “Just bring your best every day, and keep learning and growing.”
Biadasz expressed gratitude for his family’s support and said he’s eager to start his new role. “I couldn’t have done it without them,” he said. “I’m looking forward to giving my all every day.”
The department is currently short-staffed, with three vacancies yet to be filled. Kussow said that three new officers are set to be sworn in later this week, which will help close the gap.
In 2017, the department was promised an additional officer annually until it reached a cadre of 49. But according to Mayor Mike Wiza, the 2025 budget, in its current form, offers a fifth year without any operational increases for staffing, so the department continues to operate with 46 officers.