Stevens Point Police Department welcomes its 300th officer

By Brandi Makuski

STEVENS POINT — The Stevens Point Police Department welcomed its newest officer Monday morning, marking a milestone for the department as Officer Andrew Hale became its 300th officer.

Hale, 27, took the oath of office Sept. 21 during a ceremony attended by family, friends, and members of the department. City Clerk Susan Pagel administered the oath, and Hale’s wife, Carolina, pinned on his badge.

Police Chief Ed Orgon welcomed Hale and thanked his family for supporting his decision to enter law enforcement.

“As we all know, the job of a law enforcement officer is often stressful, demanding and dangerous,” Orgon said. “The lifestyle and culture of law enforcement affects more than just the officers.”

Orgon told Hale’s family the department would make his safety a priority and “do everything in our power to ensure you return safely after every shift.”

Hale is originally from Tequesta, Florida, and graduated from Jupiter Christian School in 2017. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Liberty University in 2023 and completed the 720-hour law enforcement academy at Mid-State Technical College in May.

Hale said after the ceremony that family brought him and his wife to central Wisconsin. His wife’s sister, brother-in-law, and niece live in the Marshfield area, where Hale and his wife now live. The couple moved to Wisconsin a little more than a year ago.

Before joining the department, Hale worked at Marshfield Furniture. He has no previous law enforcement or military experience and entered the profession after completing the academy.

Orgon said Hale’s instructors and references described him as a team player who works well with others, is willing to work hard, and is dependable. He said Hale identified his work ethic as one of his strongest qualities.

Hale wrote in his application that he had wanted to work in law enforcement since he was 11 and hoped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

“Andrew, I’m excited to see what the future holds for you,” Orgon said. “I want to make you this promise: we will make sure we provide you with the training and the equipment you need to be successful.”

In return, Orgon asked Hale to bring “a desire to learn and get better every day.”

Hale begins his career with the department as a probationary police officer.