Rapid City, S.D. –Today five new police officers began their training with the RCPD. They will spend several weeks in the classroom, before starting an intensive 13-week program at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre in November.

 

After graduating from the academy in March, 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 fall 2012 new recruit class includes:

 

Officer Kerry Engel is from Rapid City. He graduated from Central High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from North Central College. He most recently served as a donor recruitment representative at United Blood Services.

 

Officer Philip Koch is from Greenfield, Wis., where he graduated from Martin Luther High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Justice and Public Policy from Concordia University. He most recently served as a corrections officer at Pennington County Jail.

Officer William Hullopeter is from New Richland, Minn., and graduated from New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in law enforcement from Minnesota State University-Mankato.

Officer Nicholas Strampe is from Green River, Wyo. He graduated from Green River High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Wyoming.

 

Officer Chris Wendt is from Miller, S.D., and graduated from Miller High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from South Dakota State University.

 

 

###