Wisconsin State Patrol welcomes 32 new officers to its ranks

March 23, 2012

58th Recruit Class graduates receive badges at ceremony on Friday

After 23 weeks of intense training, 32 cadets were sworn in and received their badges as Wisconsin State Patrol officers during a graduation ceremony in Onalaska on Friday, March 23. Governor Scott Walker was the keynote speaker at the ceremony, and Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb administered the Oath of Office to the cadets.

Cadets in the 58th Recruit Class began their training program at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy at Fort McCoy on October 9, 2011. Their training has prepared them for law enforcement careers as either State Patrol troopers or inspectors in one of five regions around the state. Troopers generally patrol highways to enforce traffic safety and criminal laws while inspectors focus primarily on enforcement of motor carrier (large trucks and buses) safety laws and regulations.

"Throughout their rigorous training as cadets, our newest officers displayed the mental, physical, and emotional strength to succeed in a variety of traffic and public safety missions," said Captain Christopher Neuman, director of training at the State Patrol Academy. "They completed comprehensive instruction and hands-on training in an array of subjects, including traffic and criminal law, firearms marksmanship, emergency vehicle operations, crisis management and traffic crash investigations. The state requires at least 520 hours of training to earn certification as a law enforcement officer. However, our cadets received more than 800 hours of training before graduation, and they will continue their training and education throughout their careers."

At the graduation banquet, special awards were presented to members of the 58th Recruit Class for outstanding performance during their training:

• Governor’s Award for Outstanding Personal Achievement: Justin M. Johanning
• Superintendent’s Award for Scholastic Achievement: Jacob G. Edwards
• Program Director’s Firearms Proficiency Award: Jimmy B. Yost
• Assistant Training Officers’ Award for Physical Fitness: Neziah D. Cate

For more information, contact:
Captain Christopher M. Neuman, Wisconsin State Patrol Academy
(608) 269-2500, ext. 3143; chris.neuman@wi.dot.gov

The following is a list of the 58th Recruit Class graduates and their place of residence: