For the Gazette

CLARK COUNTY – Two Stevens Point men are among the newest officers to the Wisconsin State Patrol, after 37 graduates received their badges at a ceremony in La Crosse on June 30.

The graduates will join nearly 500 sworn officers assigned to State Patrol’s seven regional posts across Wisconsin.

As keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony, Gov. Tony Evers celebrated the new officers’ commitment to service.

“Graduations have been a big part of my life as an educator. These milestones are an opportunity to think about why we are here and what we value, and where we have yet to go,” Evers said. “I have no doubt that this class of graduates will go above and beyond to serve their communities and our state, and I want to express my deep gratitude to them and to their families and instructors who helped them get here today.”

“The mission of State Patrol officers is to support public safety on Wisconsin highways by enforcing traffic laws, responding to incidents, helping stranded drivers, inspecting commercial motor vehicles, working to combat illegal drugs and human trafficking, and supporting Wisconsin’s homeland and emergency response strategies,” a Department of Transportation  release stated.

“We will never know the number of crashes that didn’t happen because of State Patrol’s efforts, or the families who are alive and safe today because troopers were doing their jobs. But we do know motorists are safer on our roads in large part because of the vital mission of the Wisconsin State Patrol,” Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson said.

The 67th Recruit Class recently completed 26 weeks of comprehensive training at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy, focusing on traffic and criminal laws, emergency vehicle operations, firearms proficiency, communications, crisis management and lifesaving skills.

Among the graduates were Kyle Hanneman and Jon Keller, both of Stevens Point.

“You’ve been through a lot in the past six months. You’ve learned a lot. Each day at the Academy – the lessons you learned and skills you acquired – ensures you now have what it takes to become a valued public servant to the great communities across our state,” State Patrol Superintendent Anthony Burrell told the graduates.

State Patrol troopers and inspectors serve in a variety of roles, including crash reconstruction experts, airplane and drone pilots, dignitary protection, K9 and motorcycle officers.

Hanneman will be assigned to Marathon County. Keller will also be assigned to Marathon County.