Rapid City, S.D. –The Rapid City Police Department recently hired eight new police officers. The officers began their classroom training at the RCPD, and will start an intensive 13-week program at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre next week.

After graduating from the academy in May, the new officers will be certified to work in law enforcement in South Dakota. All of the officers will then be required to complete the Department’s 18-week Police Officer Field Training Program before receiving a permanent shift assignment for the remainder of their 18-month probationary period.

The spring 2012 new recruit class includes:

Officer Dale Ackland is from Oakridge, Ore. He graduated from Oakridge High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Jamestown College. He most recently served as a correctional officer and caseworker for the Wyoming Department of Corrections.

Officer John “Bob” Arneson is from Rapid City, and graduated from Stevens High School. He spent three years in the RCPD Cadet Program, and served four years with the Spearfish Police Department. He most recently served as a deputy sheriff for the Meade County Sheriff’s Office.

Officer Christopher Birch is from Rapid City, and graduated from Stevens High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Wyoming. Officer Birch most recently served as an instructional assistant at the Discovery Center at Horace Mann Elementary.

Officer Nick Davis is from Rapid City, and graduated from Stevens High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Chadron State College, and most recently worked as an agent at American Family Insurance.

Officer Ryan Gebhard is from Rapid City, and graduated from Central High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in human services and sociology from Black Hills State University.

Officer Jerrell Lewellen is originally from Ripley, Miss. He graduated from Ripley High School, and earned his bachelor’s degree in applied management from National American University. He recently retired from the United States Air Force after 24 years of service.

Officer John Peebles is from Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated from L’Anse Creuse High School North in Macomb, Mich. He served four years in the Marine Corps, and most recently worked as a security guard at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City.

Officer Tony Visger is from Minong, Wis. He graduated from Northwood High School in Minong and earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin - Superior. Officer Visger most recently served as a quality control room operator at Midwest Manufacturing in Eau Claire, Wis.

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