Mid-State Technical College hosted a recognition ceremony for its spring 2023 graduates of the Law Enforcement 720 Academy program, marking the 36th class of graduates from the Academy. The May 17 event brought the 16 students together to honor their accomplishment. The graduates have completed the basic law enforcement training required to become a law enforcement officer in Wisconsin through Mid-State’s Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy.

"Mid-State has brought forth instructors from all across the state with all different ranks and titles,” said Mariah Guyer, Law Enforcement Academy class president. “Throughout this academy we have had the ability to learn from the best of the best. Officers that are still active duty, and those who have spent their entire career on duty. Through this academy we have been able to develop a relationship with each other like family."

Successful completion of law enforcement basic training is required to be certified by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) as a law enforcement officer in the state of Wisconsin. Mid-State Technical College offers two basic training academies each year (spring and fall). The 720-hour, 18-week curriculum is determined by the DOJ, and the content of the academy includes a wide and diverse presentation of subjects, addressing all the essential functions required of law enforcement officers.  

"The Law Enforcement Academy is a critical step for those entering the field of law enforcement as a career as a sworn, certified officer," said Kurt Heuer, Law Enforcement Academy director. "The 720 hours of training is an intense mix of classroom and hands-on training, preparing the recruits to handle the effective communication skills, critical decision-making abilities and physical rigors of being a well-equipped guardian to protect and serve our communities." 

According to Heuer, Mid-State also has an articulation agreement with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point that allows UW-Stevens Point students to take a semester off from their studies to attend Mid-State’s academy and earn UW-Stevens Point credit for that experience.

Following are Mid-State’s spring 2023 Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy graduates. 

Jasmine Aldrich – Wisconsin Rapids
Gavin Anderson – New Richmond
Corey Baron – Stevens Point
Daniel Denault – Watertown
Nicholas Edge – Potosi
Wayde Ernstmeyer – Reedsburg
Mariah Guyer – Stratford
Lucas Hughes – Milton
Garrik Kjentvet – Wild Rose
Will Klismith – Stevens Point
Haley Lewandowski – Stevens Point
Andrew Millard – Marengo, Ill.
Rob Miroslaw – Arpin
Lyle Piontek – Wabeno
Steven Shilts – Cudahy
Carson Veath – Oakwood Hills, Ill.

Learn more about Mid-State’s Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy and Criminal Justice-Studies programs at mstc.edu/programs.