SPPD hires new patrol officer

By Brandi Makuski

The Stevens Point Police and Fire Commission on Tuesday approved hiring a new patrol officer.

Ross Wierzba, 23, is a native of Sturgeon Bay and alumnus of UW-Stevens Point. He fills a vacancy left by Officer Jenna Brandt, who recently moved out of the area to be closer to her family.

Wierzba studied natural resources management law enforcement at UWSP, before he was hired as a part-time officer for the university’s police department. He was ultimately hired as a full-time sworn officer on campus before deciding to apply for a job with the city.

“I just love the area,” Wierzba said. “It’s a great place to live and there’s a lot of hunting and fishing opportunities in the area.”