Nicolet College Celebrates Law Enforcement Recruit Academy Graduates

Six students recently graduated from Nicolet College’s Law Enforcement Recruit Academy, making them eligible for certification by the Wisconsin Department of Justice as law enforcement officers throughout the state. 

The rigorous 720-hour program combined classroom instruction with hands-on scenario training, equipping students with the critical skills necessary to respond safely and effectively to a wide range of real-world situations. 

"We are extremely proud of these graduates for their dedication and hard work," said Jason Goeldner, Nicolet College associate dean of public safety. "Graduates have completed an intense program designed to prepare them for the complex demands of modern law enforcement. I have no doubt they will make significant contributions to their communities."

Several of the graduates are already employed with local law enforcement agencies, and the others are expected to be employed soon. 

The Nicolet College Law Enforcement Recruit Academy graduates are: Jevin Budzynski, Zachary Iribarren, Jacob Mayo, Adam Merrill, Ethan Snyder, and Shawna Wakefield.

Nicolet College’s next academy begins February 10, 2025. Anyone interested in enrolling may contact Recruit Academy Director Tim Gerdmann at (715) 365-4535 or by email at tgerdmann@nicoletcollege.edu. 

In the photo above: Front Row: Brad Fogerty, Nicolet College Criminal Justice Instructor; Deputy Jevin Budzynski, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and graduate; Deputy Ethan Snyder, Oneida County Sheriff's Office and graduate; Officer Adam Merrill, Rhinelander Police Department and graduate; Nicolet College Adjunct Instructor Sergeant Christy Kondzela, Rhinelander Police Department; Nicolet College Adjunct Instructor Sergeant Elisha Williams, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.

Back Row: Zachary Iribarren, graduate; Officer Shawna Wakefield, Rhinelander Police Department and graduate; Jacob Mayo, graduate; Timothy Gerdmann, Nicolet College Academy Director, Nicolet College Adjunct Instructor Lieutenant Tony Crum, Forest County Sheriff’s Office; Nicolet College Adjunct Instructor Dale Knapp.