SPPD hires two new officers

By Brandi Makuski

The Stevens Point Police Department has hired two new patrol officers.

The new hires were approved by the police and fire commission on Jan. 12. Both are anticipated to begin their 18-month probation period at SPPD within the next several weeks.

Josh McLouth, a native of Milaca, Minn., is a recent graduate of the Law Enforcement Academy at North Center Technical College. Prior to that, he worked in sales. He lived with his wife just north of Stevens Point.

Cole O’Neil, 22, recently graduated from Mid-State in Wisconsin Rapids with a criminal justice degree. He previously worked in loss prevention for Walmart. O’Neil also works part-time as a sheriff’s deputy in Wood Co., and previously interned at the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office.

The two were hired two fill recent retirements from the department, according to Assistant Chief Mike Rottier. They bring the number of the department’s sworn personnel to 45.