JANESVILLE — Blackhawk Technical College held a special ceremony May 15 to recognize the efforts of 16 students who completed training through the college’s Law Enforcement Recruit Academy.

This marks the 96th class to graduate from Blackhawk’s academy, which provides the basic law enforcement training required for students to become law enforcement officers in Wisconsin and begin their careers in public service.

Academy Director Troy Egger described this class as “awkward in a good way” and encouraged the graduates to remain curious. He also explained that truth is not necessarily what happens but rather the emotions tied to what happens.

“You can tell someone anything you want and, even if it is the truth, if they don’t feel the right emotion, they don’t believe you are telling the truth,” he said. “Truth is what people feel. When you approach a subject that needs your help, do they feel you are truly there to help, or do they feel you are there simply because it is your job to be there?”

He continued, “If you don’t make people believe what you are saying, is it really the truth?” He said, “When you show up on a call and say, ‘I am here to help,’ don’t believe it in your head — make sure the people you are there to help actually feel it as truth.”

Jackson Frisch, the class speaker, acknowledged how the class’s education will continue.

“We should all be incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Frisch, who works for the Stoughton Police Department. “Our work is really just beginning. We’ll always be learning.”

Lt. Richard LeFeber, retired from the City of Beloit Police Department, received the Instructor of Excellence Award from the graduates, and Aaron Walz, Police Officer at Clinton Police Department, was the keynote speaker.

Walz talked to the graduates about being someone who supports others, especially when they’re having a tough time in their career or personal life. He called it being a legend.

“Life lessons mold you to handle situations better,” Walz said. “We can all be a legend and mentor to others. Be humble. Be understanding. Be respectful. Be caring. And maybe someday, someone will remember you as their legend.”

Four students also were recognized for awards of excellence:

● Academic Achievement Award: Samuel Erickson and Tyler Viegut

This award is given to the student with the highest achievement for each of the three end-of-phase tests. The class had a 91 percent average. Erickson and Viegut each had about a 95 percent average.

● Outstanding Physical Fitness Award: Isaac Montoya

To graduate, each student has to pass a physical readiness test. This award is given to the student who demonstrated outstanding physical fitness and also showed the most effort in the 32 hours of physical fitness throughout the past 18 weeks.

● Ryan Copeland Marksmanship Award: Tyler Lambert

This award is named after Officer Ryan Copeland, a 2013 academy graduate who was killed in an on-duty traffic crash in 2015, and is given to a student who is ranked top in his class for marksmanship.

● Terry Fell Leadership Award: Jackson Frisch

This award is named after Terry Fell, who was the academy director for 10 years and former City of Beloit Police Chief, Rock County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy, and Rock County Board member. Fell’s legacy is of leadership, honor and sense of duty. The award is given to a student who embodies those characteristics.

Find out more about the Law Enforcement Academy at blackhawk.edu/Programs-Courses/Law-Enforcement-Basic-Recruit-Academy.