Pacelli Grad is Newest Stevens Point Police Officer
Left, Andrew Poeschel smiles just as the Police and Fire Commission approve his application to become a probationary city police officer. (City-Times photo)
By Brandi Makuski
21 year-old Andrew Poeschel, a 2010 Pacelli graduate, nervously paced the hallway outside the city conference room, awaiting the decision which would shape the rest of his life.
“This is all I ever wanted to do,” Poeschel said, pulling on his collar. “Stevens Point is my hometown.”
Poeschel chatted nervously while waiting to be called back before the Police & Fire Commission, the group which had been discussing his application to join the city’s police force. For about ten minutes, Poeschel shared his experiences in the city’s Catholic high school; his time spent studying law enforcement at Mid-State Technical College and his part- time job at the Waupaca County Jail- anything, really, to pass the time.
Finally, Stevens Point Police Chief Kevin Ruder swung the door open and smiled. “Andrew, come on in,” he said.
Within five minutes Poeschel had his answer- his application to become the newest member of the Stevens Point Police Department had been approved.
He will replace the outgoing officer Dave Kratzke, who is retiring after 30+ years of service to the city, sometime in October. Poeschel’s employment will be conditional for a period of 15 weeks and must also pass physical and psychological requirements.
“Thank you so much,” Poeschel said, as the crease in his brow disappeared and a wide smile appeared on his face. “I won’t let you down and I’ll do my very best.”
Chief Ruder said Poeschel had already been living a life of community service, which gave him credibility.
“This guy could back up what he said, and that’s the kind of integrity we want in the department,” Ruder said. “He’s been volunteering a lot already, so when he said he wanted to join the department to give back to his community, we could see that he walks the walk. It comes down to integrity- every officer in this department should be able to rely on each other to back up what they say. That’s what we pride this department on is integrity.”